MockTrial Tips While many aspects of mock trials are suitable for secondary students, certain approaches can be adapted to meet the developmental needs of elementary students.
Before the mock trial, have students review primary sources and conduct research to gather additional evidence or alternative viewpoints related to the case. The teacher will facilitate a Q&A session to clarify any uncertainties. It may also be beneficial to invite a lawyer, judge, Tribal leader, or law student to participate in the mock trial for added insight. The teacher (or guest speaker) should then introduce students to the roles of courtroom participants and explain relevant legal terminology. Students should understand that they will be participating in a trial to determine guilt or innocence in a criminal case or liability (fault) in a civil case. Next, explain the roles of courtroom participants and introduce basic legal vocabulary. Clarify that the students will be conducting a trial to determine guilt or innocence in a criminal case or liability (fault) in a civil case. Afterward, distribute the trial materials and assign roles, ensuring that students understand their parts in the trial.
Consider including the following to support Native Ways of Knowing learning in the Mock Trial:
● Include a Land Acknowledgement in a Native Ways of Knowing Mock Trial when the themes of the trial relate to Native Americans. There are tips below on conducting a respectful Land Acknowledgement. ● Include grounding instruction on Native Ways of Knowing Responsibilities for learning. There are tips below to support teaching these concepts. ● Review Ways of Being in a Mock Trial. The purpose of a Mock Trial is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can show respect, express themselves freely, share their perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations. These are suggested ways of being as participants within a Mock Trial. There are tips below to support teaching these concepts. ● Include Social Skills for Success T-Graph prior to the Mock Trial. The T-Graph for Social Skills will review one of the following: Respect, Reciprocity, or Relationship Building. It is important to ensure that students understand and respect the process. This may require some teaching and modeling of expected behaviors in a Mock Trial. There are tips below to support teaching these concepts.
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