1. 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.

2. 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…

3. Brainstorm

4. Mock Courtroom Trial
Responsibilities

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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