It’s a murder trial. Get ready. MOCK TRIAL It’s a murder trial. Get ready.

Objectives To promote increased confidence, poise, oral skills, critical thinking skills and teamwork skills. To gain a better understanding of the legal system – from the rules of evidence to proper court decorum. To provide a hands-on experience from which students can learn about law, society, and themselves. Rule of law Presumption of innocence Burden of proof Due process Rights of the accused

Roles: Attorneys PROSECUTORS DEFENSE ATTORNEYS Presents a case for the state against the defendant Questions witnesses Tries to convince the jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt Tries to refute any defense presented by the defendant Presents a case for the defendant Offers witnesses to present their client’s version of the facts Tries to undermine the prosecution’s case by showing that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt That testimony is inconsistent, witnesses cannot be depended, etc

Roles: Witnesses Must testify only to the facts stated or reasonably implied from the witness sheets There will be three lawyers. Each lawyer will interview one witness.

Roles: Judge and Jury Jury: Judge: Deliberate the evidence (only the evidence at hand!) to come to a conclusion Present your verdict to the judge (guilty, not guilty; type of murder if guilty) Judge: Instruct the jurors as to the laws that apply to the case Come to a FAIR sentencing based on the jury’s verdict

Assign roles!! Each side, prosecution and defense, will need: Three lawyers Four researchers Three witnesses (I have your roles and witness sheets for you) One person to give opening and closing statement We will also need: Six jurors One judge