معرفی
Elizabeth Ippolito Boals serves as Associate Professor of Law with the Professorship of Excellence in Trial Advocacy and Director of the Center for Advocacy Education at Stetson University College of Law. She joined Stetson in 2020 after teaching for 15 years at American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), where she held significant administrative roles including Assistant Dean of Part-time and Online Education, Director of the Criminal Justice Practice and Policy Institute, and Associate Director of the Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program.
Her educational background includes a B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a JD from Antonin Scalia School of Law, George Mason University.
- B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- JD, Antonin Scalia School of Law, George Mason University
Professor Boals specializes in Criminal Law, Evidence, Trial Advocacy, and Criminal Procedure with a particular focus on expert testimony, eyewitness identification, and trial skills. Her research consistently bridges theoretical legal principles with practical courtroom applications, examining how evidence rules impact real-world litigation strategies. She has developed numerous case files used in trial advocacy training that address contemporary legal issues while maintaining pedagogical effectiveness.
Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on practical legal education and courtroom advocacy, with recurring themes in expert testimony evaluation, evidence admissibility, and trial technique development. Her work shows particular expertise in how scientific evidence interfaces with legal standards and jury perception.
Professor Boals has received multiple teaching and community leadership awards recognizing her contributions to legal education. She maintains an active role as a long-time member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) teaching faculty.
- Multiple teaching awards
- Multiple community leadership awards
- Long-time member of NITA teaching faculty
Professor Boals lectures frequently both domestically and abroad on topics related to expert witness testimony, eye-witness identification, and trial skills. Her professional background as a former public defender in Alexandria, Virginia handling felony cases and appeals, and as a labor and employment litigation attorney for the U.S. Department of Commerce and in private practice, informs her practical approach to legal education. She has directed advocacy centers and institutes at both Stetson and AUWCL, creating comprehensive training programs for law students and practicing attorneys.
As Director of the Center for Advocacy Education at Stetson, she oversees a comprehensive program that develops students' litigation skills through simulated experiences, case files, and practical training. Her leadership in this center demonstrates her commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical legal education and practical courtroom skills.
