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California Desert Trial Academy College Of Law
09 February
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What Cases Use Expert Witnesses? Part Two

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Law Practice, Training, Trial Advocacy
What Cases Use Expert Witnesses? Part Two

The types of experts that may be retained are as varied as the subjects that lawyers may litigate. Expert witnesses. The primary purpose of an expert witness is to provide knowledge and insight into a technical area that may not be readily known or understood by the average fact finder. The more complex that a legal matter is, the more likely one or more expert witnesses will be required to testify. Expert testimony often addresses those facts which determine liability. As a result, expert witnesses may make or break a case. Lawyers must find an expert with more than an impressive resume...

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08 February
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What Cases Use Expert Witnesses? Part One

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Law Practice, Training, Trial Advocacy
What Cases Use Expert Witnesses? Part One

Normally, courts prohibit witnesses from testifying based on their own opinions or analysis. Federal Rule of Evidence 602. Courts relax these rules for expert witnesses testifying about matters within their field of expertise. Expert witness rules vary by jurisdiction. In federal courts, expert witness testimony is governed by Article VII of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Expert witnesses may testify about their conclusions in a case provided that their analysis is scientifically sound. In reaching a conclusion, an expert witness may proffer an opinion on the same types of evidence that those in their profession normally rely on in their field and work, even if such evidence is...

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04 February
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Laws Every American Citizen Should Know

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Uncategorized

Our rights as Americans, if not humans, are legitimate, collective, or moral codes of freedom or privilege. The Bill of Rights further defines these rights and prohibits Congress from enacting laws that restrict these rights. In furtherance of the protection of these rights, individuals who are American citizens must know and be aware of the following specific hallmark laws, rules, and regulations. Freedom of Information Act The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives every American the right to see and use records from any government establishment to promote transparency and accountability. Any individual may request information under FOIA. Federal agencies must disclose any information requested...

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03 February
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Important California Laws To Know In 2021 – Part 2

Posted by cdtalaw
in California law, CDTA
Important California Laws To Know In 2021 – Part 2

The following are some new laws that become effective in California in 2021. *No liability for some child car rescues Individuals who find a child locked alone in a car may be exempt from criminal or civil liability if they attempt to rescue them, subject to certain conditions as prescribed by AB 2717. The person must prove he or she had a “good faith belief” that the child inside was in imminent danger. Further, the person must have called 911, determined that the vehicle was locked and that breaking in was the only option. *Certain cars will no longer be sold in California...

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02 February
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Important California Laws To Know In 2021 – Part 1

Posted by cdtalaw
in California law, CDTA
Important California Laws To Know In 2021 – Part 1

A new year brings many things, including new laws in California. The following are the most interesting and broad-reaching pieces of legislation that will become effective in California in 2021. *Expedient COVID-19 notices for employees California AB 685 gives employees the right to expediently learn if COVID exposure has occurred in their workplace. Private and public employers who learn of possible coronavirus exposure must provide written notice within one day to all employees and employers of subcontractors who shared a worksite with the potentially infected person. All employees must also be provided with information about worker’s compensation, paid sick leave, and anti-retaliation...

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01 February
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Can I Take The California Bar Exam Without Going To Law School?

Posted by cdtalaw
in Bar Exam, California law, CDTA
Can I Take The California Bar Exam Without Going To Law School?

The California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) focuses on providing an academic experience that emphasizes a practical approach to becoming a lawyer. The CDTA trains, educates, and develops students to be exceptional attorneys and trial advocates. At this time, the CDTA is in the process of applying for full accreditation as a California law school. In 2021, only four states (California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington) permit those aspiring to be lawyers to take the state’s bar exam without attending law school. The alternative is the option to apprentice with a practicing attorney or judge. Other states such as New York, Maine, and Wyoming...

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28 January
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Best Courtroom Movies – Anatomy Of A Murder

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Uncategorized
Best Courtroom Movies – Anatomy Of A Murder

Almost any movie featuring Jimmy Stewart would be high on my list of must-see films, but a courtroom drama featuring him would be at the top of the list. Michael Asimow, UCLA law professor and co-author of Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (2006), described the film as "probably the finest pure trial movie ever made." Anatomy Of A Murder directed by distinguished director, Otto Preminger, was written by former Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver. The novel was based on a 1952 murder case in which Voelker represented the defendant. The judge in the film was played by Joseph N. Welch,...

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27 January
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California Gives Full Accreditation To Online Law Schools

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Distance learning law school, Online Law School
California Gives Full Accreditation To Online Law Schools

California has given full accreditation to three online law schools. One of the law schools, Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, called it a ‘watershed moment’ in legal education. The three online law schools accredited in 2020 include the Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, Northwestern California University School of Law, and St. Francis Law School. The State Bar of California is one of the few states in the U.S. that accredits law schools. The Committee of Bar Examiners decided that because Concord is in full compliance with the guidelines governing accredited law schools, it was not required to...

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26 January
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2021 Law School Admissions Are Up!

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Distance learning law school, First year law students
2021 Law School Admissions Are Up!

Admissions statistics from the Law School Admission Council (“LSAC”) indicate that the number of applicants to U.S. law schools as of December 2020 is around 35% higher than it was at this point in 2019. Meanwhile, applications dramatically rose about 56% within that same time frame. In January 2021, applicants must put these numbers in context and understand that the admissions cycle is not yet over. Also, those aspiring to attend law school must appreciate that applicants are more likely to apply earlier in 2021 than they were in past years. There are many reasons that law school applicants are submitting applications earlier...

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25 January
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Advice On Trying Your First Case

Posted by cdtalaw
in CDTA, Law Practice, Training, Trial Advocacy
Advice On Trying Your First Case

Here are some tips and advice for any new lawyer about to enter the courtroom and try his or her first case. Do some advance work and scout the courtroom Legal scholars differ as to how an attorney should act while moving around the courtroom during a trial. Some believe that an attorney should always request permission to proceed while others believe that it is acceptable to move around until a judge directs otherwise. Many judges allow attorneys to freely walk around the courtroom provided they do so with purpose. A simple solution is to observe the judge in action when he...

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CONTACT INFORMATION

California Desert Trial Academy College of Law
45-290 Fargo Street
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 342-0900

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Statement of Nondiscrimination

Consistent with sound educational policy, CDTA College of Law does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

California State Bar Standard and Required Disclosure

The method of instruction at this law school for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program is principally in physical classroom facilities.

Students enrolled in the J.D. degree program at this law school who successfully complete the first year of law study must pass the First-Year Law Students Examination required by Business and Professions Code 6060(h) and Rule VIII of the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California as part of the requirements to qualify to take the California Bar Examination.

A student who passes the First-Year Law Students Examination within three (3) administrations of the examination after first becoming eligible to take it will receive credit for all legal studies completed to the time the examination is passed. A student who does not pass the examination within three (3) administrations of the examination after first becoming eligible to take it must be promptly disqualified from the law school’s J.D. degree program. If the dismissed student subsequently passes the examination, the student is eligible for re-enrollment in this law school’s J.D. degree program, but will receive credit for only one year of legal study.

Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy the requirements for admission to practice in jurisdictions other than California. A student intending to seek admission to practice law in a jurisdiction other than California should contact the admitting authority in that jurisdiction for information regarding the legal education requirements in that jurisdiction for admission to the practice of law.

Copyright CDTA California Desert Trial Academy College of Law. All rights reserved. The Desert’s first and only Law School. Proudly serving all of Southern California; accepting applications from Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.

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