Conducting The Mock Trial Once all preparations are complete, convert the classroom into a courtroom by rearranging desks and providing tables for the attorney teams. The teacher's desk can serve as the judge’s bench.
Conduct the trial with a teacher, a student, or a guest resource person (such as a law student, lawyer, or judge) acting as the judge. The jury will play a key role in determining the facts based on the testimony and evidence presented. The judge will focus on legal matters and will explain the key legal issues to the jury.
Roles:
● ● ● ● Witnesses for the Prosecution ● Witnesses for the Defense Judge (could be a guest with legal experience) Prosecutor or Plaintiff's Attorney (in a civil case) Defense Attorney
● ● Bailiff (swears in witnesses and marks evidence) Jury (composed of twelve students, including a foreman; alternates may be assigned)
Trial Day Schedule
1. Introduction ● ●
Judge : Calls the court to order and explains the case to the participants. Teacher : Reviews the rules and procedures to ensure students understand their roles.
2. Opening Statements ● Prosecution and defense present their case theories:
○ ○ Prosecution : Explains the charges and summarizes the evidence to be presented. Defense : Responds to the charges and outlines their counterarguments.
3. Presentation of Evidence
● Each side presents their evidence: ○ ○ Witness testimonies.
Physical evidence (if applicable).
● Witness Testimonies : ○ ○ ○
Direct examination: Lawyers question their own witnesses to establish their case. Cross- examination: Opposing lawyers challenge the credibility or reliability of the witnesses. Redirect (Optional): Original lawyers ask clarifying questions to rebut the cross-examination.
4. Rules of Objections (Optional)
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