Trials

I.         Preparation:

            A.        Thomas A. Mauet, Trial Techniques, Eighth Edition, Chapters:

                        1.         5.         Direct Examination

                        2.         6.         Exhibits

                        3.         7.         Cross-Examination

                        4.         12.       Bench Trials

            B.        If possible, attend a Housing Court trial.

                        1.         Hennepin County:

                                    a.         Hennepin County Government Center C-300, 300 South 6^th Street, Minneapolis

                                    b.         http://www.mncourts.gov/district/4/?page=128

                                    c.         Call 612-(348-5185 for the trial schedule

                        2.         Ramsey County:

                                    a.         Ramsey County Courthouse, Room 131a, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul

                                    b.         http://www.mncourts.gov/district/2/?page=53

                                    c.         Call 651-266-8230 for the trial schedule

II.        Opening statements: Short or nothing at all

III.       Evidence

            A.        Direct examination

                        1.         Introduction

                        2.         Order

                        3.         Outline v. written questions

                        4.         Pro se parties: narrative v. question and answer

                        5.         Practicing

                        6.         Objections

                                    a.         Leading questions

                                    b.         Relevance

                                    c.         Foundation

                                    d.         Opinion

                                    e.         Hearsay

                        7.         Examples

                                    a.         Event

                                                (1)       alleged lease violation

                                                (2)       repair problem began

                                    b.         General conditions of property

            B.        Exhibits

                        1.         Foundation

                        2.         Authentication

                        3.         Objections

                                    a.         Relevance

                                    b.         Foundation

                                    c.         Authenticity

                                    d.         Hearsay

                        4.         Examples

                                    a.         Lease

                                    b.         Letter

                                    c.         Pictures

                                    d.         Inspection report

            C.        Cross examination

                        1.         Cross v. Closing argument

                        2.         Examples

                                    a.         Lease violation

                                    b.         Housing conditions

IV.      Closing argument

            A.        Oral

            B.        Written

                        1.         Memo

                        2.         Proposed order