To Kill a Mockingbird Mock Trial We are going to turn our classroom into a courtroom. You will become the attorneys, witnesses, judge, and jury.

Procedures: We will brainstorm events from the novel that could be argued in mock court. Case must have two sides Passages from the novel will be main source of evidence Each side should have at least three main points and support for each Let’s select our case…

Brainstorm

Mock Courtroom Trial Responsibilities

Attorneys: Attorneys meet with the judge and decide on witnesses (3-4 each). Physical evidence will also need to be approved by the judge. Done at a later time ~ after research of case. Gather team search for evidence within the novel to support your case. Have at least three main points Prepare an outline as to how you will argue Prepare questions for your witnesses and practice with them Anticipate what questions will be ask by the other side and prepare your witnesses for them Write your opening statement (practice) Write your closing statement (practice) Dress for the part the day of trial Remember whatever is presented or stated in the trial MUST follow the logic in the novel

Attorneys: Assessment Rubric Prepare an opening statement ____ (10) Prepare a list of at least 5 questions per witness _____(10) Be prepared to cross-examine witnesses for the other side _____(10) Prepare a closing argument _____(10) Dress appropriately on the day of the trial ______(10) ______/50

Judge: Meet with the attorneys to approve their witnesses and evidence Research what you can and cannot allow in the courtroom so you are prepared to do your job the day of the trial Prepare an opening statement to the juror and audience (what are juror’s responsibilities?) Prepare a statement for the jurors before they retire to the jury room for deliberation. (once again what are their responsibilities as stated by the law) Dress for the part the day of trial Remember whatever is presented or stated in the trial MUST follow the logic in the novel.

Judge: Assessment Research and write a list of terminology that a judge would use during a trial ____ (15) Research and write a script of instructions to give to the jury _____(15) Respond appropriately to motions made by the attorneys _____(10) Dress appropriately on the day of the trial _____(10) _____/50

Witnesses: Research your role from the book Find passages that you can use to support the case Memorize direct quotes when applicable Help your team build a case Practice answering questions with the attorneys Dress for your part the day of trial Remember whatever is presented or stated in the trial MUST follow the logic in the novel.

Witnesses: Assessment Work with your lawyer and draft answers to the questions that they are going to ask during the trial ______(15) Write a one paragraph summary of the character you portray ______(15) Make a list of at least 5 quotes from your character______(10) Dress appropriately on the day of the trial ______(10) ______/50

Jury Members: Who are you? Get into character Created your persona ~ name, gender, age, family, occupation, etc. Remember the time period and the community Research if you need to Write up a one to two page character study describing YOU (handwritten in ink; no word processing) Day of the trial Dress for your part Remember to stay in character Prepare to listen ~ take notes if necessary

Jury Members: Assessment Write a one page biography and include the following fictitious information: your name, occupation, family, any biases you may have, where you grew up, any major events that happened to you in your life, level of education, etc. ______(30) Find 3 descriptions of character appearance in the novel and write them down. Based on these descriptions, write a one paragraph summary of what you will be wearing on the day of the trial. Be as specific as possible. ______(10) Dress appropriately on the day of the trial _______(10) ______/50

Baliff: You will be part of a team Help your team to develop a strong case Research what you do during the trial Day of trial Perform your duties as researched Dress for your part

Baliff: Assessment Research and write a summary of what a baliff is supposed to do and say _____ (30) Assist the attorney group assigned with the development of their case ____ (10) Dress appropriately for your position on the day of the trial ____(10) ______/50

Court Reporter: You will be part of a team Help your team to develop a strong case Practice your typing skills Day of the trial Sit at the computer and catch as much as possible Dress for your part

Court Reporter: Assessment Take notes on the main points made during the trial _____(30) Find three examples of the court reporter’s duties as discussed in the novel and write them down. ______(10) Dress appropriately on the day of the trial _____(10) _____/50

Planning the argument Attorneys - form outline as to how to argue Who will be your witnesses? Limit witnesses to 4 per side (must be approved by judge) Students assigned to your team will role-play the witnesses Prepare questions and practice questioning Remember whatever is presented or stated in the trial MUST follow with the logic in the novel.

Once the case is chosen Select attorneys and a team for plaintiff’s side and defendant’s side (these will be the witnesses) Select an impartial jury and a judge Prepare case Passages from the novel will be main source of evidence Search for evidence within novel to support case Try to have at least three main points and support for each

Assessment Student understood their role in the trial and performed in an authentic manner Student demonstrated comprehension of trial question, using appropriate and effective passages for support/refutation Student worked in group vigorously and equally Rubrics to follow Other