The Liver Building

Magistrates Court Advocacy: From Opening to Closing

Details

Speaker: John Dove

Date: Wednesday 24th June, 2026

Time: 16:00 - 18:00

Areas of Law: Criminal

Competencies: B

Venue:
TBC in Liverpool City Centre

Course Code: S4968

Description

This 90 minute interactive advocacy training session is designed to develop practical skills for conducting cases in the Magistrates’ Court. Ahead of the session, delegates will receive a mock case scenario based on a straightforward summary-only offence. The materials will include prosecution witness statements and the Defendant’s proof of evidence, allowing attendees to prepare in advance and engage fully during the session.

The session will cover the core stages of advocacy, including:

• Opening speeches – how to structure and present your case clearly and persuasively
• Witness handling – effective Examination-in-Chief and Cross-Examination
• Closing speeches – drawing together the evidence and submissions

The training will be highly interactive, with delegates encouraged to contribute at each stage. For example, during the witness handling section, attendees will be invited to suggest potential lines of questioning, key themes to explore in cross-examination, and tactical considerations in dealing with different witnesses.

This session is ideal for practitioners looking to build confidence, refine technique, and gain insight into criminal advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.

Speaker Biographies

John Dove is a criminal barrister at Charterhouse Chambers covering all areas of crime.

He is a specialist in motoring and road traffic offences. He previously worked for one of the country’s leading motor defence practices and was part of a specialist motoring prosecution team whilst at the CPS. John therefore has comprehensive knowledge of procedures and laws relating to motoring offences, particularly drink and drug driving.

John also has a busy practice dealing with cases involving sexual offences. John covers cases including contact offences, possession & distribution of indecent images, sexual communication offences and breaches of protective orders.

Outside of Chambers, John regularly provides advocacy training for aspiring and junior lawyers through the organisation he founded, Speed Mooting. He is the president of Liverpool Speakers Club and is a nationally ranked public speaker with the Association of Speakers Clubs.

Prices

Member £35
Non-member £55
Note: 20% VAT added at checkout