FIGURE3 An example of a TEEL paragraph. T What is the argument I am making in this paragraph?
Rules of court cases have to be followed.
E
What is the reason I believe this argument is true or important?
The rules are important for a trial to be fair: the current rules are to give everyone a fair chance to present their evidence. Jurors seeing information on social media might change their view of what they see and hear in court. Rules: each side presents their case and evidence to jurors, but when there is extra information, they may not be able to weigh up the cases fairly (e.g. researching previous convictions that are not related).
E
What evidence can I use to back up my argument?
L
How does this link to the main topic?
Social media use in courts should be controlled.
Topic sentence: Neither the judge nor jury should know anything about the case in addition to the evidence and arguments presented in court.
T
Explanation: A fair trial must follow strict procedures. These procedures are designed to make sure that each side has an equal opportunity to present its own case and to challenge the evidence introduced by the other side. Information posted on social media about the case may be seen by jurors, and therefore influence their decision.
E
Evidence: Jurors must hear only the evidence presented in court by each side. Witnesses can be asked to give evidence at a criminal trial if they are the victim of the crime, if they have direct information about the crime or if they are an expert providing specialist opinion. If a juror is influenced by information about the case on social media or looks for additional information online, it may not be accurate or related to the specific case, and that makes the trial unfair. For example, a Western Australian juror in a drug-related trial searched information online about methylamphetamine production. This meant the juror’s decision may have been changed by the extra information.
E
Linking sentence: For this reason, it is important to have some limitations on the use of social media in courts.
L
11.6.3
Letmedo it
11.6 SkillBuilder activity Use the information and tips in this SkillBuilder to practise writing your own argument paragraphs. Be sure to use the TEEL structure as it will help you logically organise your thoughts and arguments. This will make sure that you are communicating clearly.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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