Examines how psychology, storytelling, theme development, and strategy shape jury decision-making in real trials. Students explore the roles of trial consultants, judges, attorneys, and experts. The course shows how credibility, bias, emotion, and narrative influence verdicts across personal injury, criminal law, corporate defense, family law, and medical malpractice litigation. Taught by one of the most respected trial consultants in the field, it uses real cases and experiential exercises revealing how themes are developed, stories built, witnesses prepped, juries selected, and cases researched, tested, and won. With guest attorneys each week, this is a can’t-miss course for anyone considering law school or litigation.

Prerequisites: Not open to Freshmen.

2

Units

Pass no pass

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Not open to freshmen

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
These majors only comm int
AFIFI T D
Tammy Afifi
4.3
38 reviews
See All
38
4.3
COMM154 . Afifi T D 2 Months Ago

Very easy class. Show up occasionally and you can ace the tests -- nothing on there you didn't know or couldn't figure out before you took the class. Can't believe I paid for this.

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COMM124 . Afifi T D 4 Months Ago

Easiest class ever. She giggles a lot. It's like a group therapy session, not a class. She seems caring but really it's all about her; she's very fond of herself. I didn't learn a thing and the content was nonexistent. Not a thing on the tests you couldn't guess with a tiny bit of logic. Waste of time but easy A.

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COMM124 . Afifi T D 5 Months Ago

Tammy is the best professor! Family comm is the best class I've taken at UCSB. Her tests are tricky so you have to study. Going to office hours does wonders for your grade. She is super accessible and kind!

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COMM124 . Afifi T D 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

Graded by two papers, midterm, and final exam. Exams were definitely tricky, so study up and ask questions. Definitely attend lecture, as slides alone aren't enough to be prepared for the exams. She's super caring, kind, and accessible. Grading criteria is clear for papers, and asking the TA for help is a good way to be prepared.

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COMM124 . Afifi T D 2 Years Ago

Dr. Afifi is great! She cares a lot about her students. We had a midterm and a final (non cumulative) and two essays.

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COMM124 . Afifi T D 2 Years Ago

She really cares about her students, papers and tests questions are fair, she makes her lectures easy to follow

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See all 38 reviews
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