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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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