Trial Court Evaluators Cheat-Sheet: (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

Judge Scoring Criteria

Attorney Team Scoring Criteria

Calling the Court to Order: communicating any

Opening Statement: Preferably memorized, effectively

courtroom rules, swearing in witnesses, announcing

delivered; attorneys inform the court what they intend

that Court is in session, stating the charges against

to prove in the trial

the defendant

Knowledge of Trial Procedure: stick to schedule of the

Attorney #1 Direct Exam: How well attorney #1

trial, rules, and proper procedures. Does not need

handles difficult witnesses and effectively extracts

guidance, does not hesitate during trial proceedings

information with good questions

Knowledge of Evidence Rules, Objections, and the

Attorney #2 Direct Exam: How well attorney #2

Law: Judges were required to pass a test on how to

handles difficult witnesses and effectively extracts

handle entering evidence, the order of who presents,

information with good questions

etc.

Demeanor and Professionalism: Demands respect,

Attorney #1 Cross Exam: How well attorney #1

engaged, good posture, pleasant disposition

effectively and assertively handles the other team’s

witnesses, getting the answers they need

Interaction with Trial Participants: does not let

Attorney #2 Cross Exam: How well attorney #2

attorneys go over time, politely directs attorneys and

effectively and assertively handles the other team’s

witnesses to proceed, etc.

witnesses, getting the answers they need

Decision-Making Ability: Handle objections and

Use of Exhibits and Evidence: Attorneys use evidence

questions efficiently, does not get thrown off by

throughout their presentation.

unexpected events

Exhibits are marked, offered & entered into evidence

properly, and used effectively

NOTE: the judge should know the procedure

Maintaining Control of Courtroom: Preside effectively,

Knowledge of Trial Procedure: stick to schedule of the

keep time, make a ruling and explain why that team

trial, know rules and proper procedures; always be

won

relevant, effective and fair to proceedings and to

NOTE: The verdict of the judge does not affect

other team

evaluators’ score of each team

Objections: State objections in legal terms and

respond to objections of the other team

Overall Demeanor: respectful interaction with judge

and opposing team; standing when addressing the

Court or addressed by the judge

Witnesses: Performance (knowledge of affidavit,

demeanor, character)

Preparation: Very well-organized, prepared use of

Trial Court Evaluators Cheat-Sheet: Page 2

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