Mock Trials Class Summary 12/1 and 12/8

with Jayne Besjak

Hansel and Gretel Found Guilty (and not)...  

The trial of Hansel and Gretel Schmidt took place over the course of two class periods, concluding on 12/1.  The jury returned a guilty verdict on the charge of criminal mischief and not guilty verdicts on the charges of petty theft and aggravated battery. The defendants now await sentencing...

Prosecution and defense teams worked hard to develop sound theories and prepare lines of questioning for their witnesses. Student attorneys are getting the hang of crafting solid opening statements and they are gaining a better understanding of how to thoroughly question witnesses. Students playing the role of witnesses are doing an excellent job of getting into character, with very believable performances.  Great job everyone! Below are a few snapshots from the trial.

Prosecution attorney

Gretel, on the stand

Hansel under cross examination

Closing statement by the Defense

Our attentive jury members and bailiff

A very distraught Malvinia (the victim) under direct examination

Defense team

Prosecution team

Jackie Horner (witness for the defense)

Skills we are working on...

We spent some valuable time debriefing after the trial, discussing what worked well and what could have been improved upon. Our jurors provided an explanation of why they reached their verdicts and which arguments they found to be the most logical and compelling. Areas that we felt need further attention:

• better use of physical evidence - if you admit it in court, show it to the jury and use it to help make your case!
• more detailed questioning of witnesses on direct examination to bring out the complete story line and make strong arguments; don't forget the details which will help paint a full picture for the jury
• in addition to preparing the theory of the case for your own side, prepare for cross examination by thinking carefully about possible opposing theories and story lines; read all the affidavits carefully - what facts does the opposing side have in their favor? what might their witnesses testify to? be well prepared with rebuttal arguments and questions
• better establish information about your witnesses/characters by asking who they are, where they live, what relationship they have to other individuals involved in the incident; remember - the jury hasn't read affidavits and knows nothing about the case other than what attorneys and witnesses provide during testimony and opening/closing statements
• polish up public speaking skills during opening/closing statements - 1) speak slowly, 2) speak clearly, 3) don't be afraid to move around the courtroom and address the jury, 4) use body language and pause for dramatic effect - these will all help your statements sound more interesting and convincing!

Et tu, Brute? 

Our next trial will be 

The Republic of Rome v. Marcus Brutus

based on the assassination of Julius Caesar who was stabbed to death in the Roman Senate on March 15, 44 BC.  Unlike our previous mock trials which were based on fairy tales, this trial is based on a real historical event.  Students will need to spend some time researching the time period and events leading up to this incident.

I provided a brief overview to put things into context and the students watched a video that summarizes Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, to help familiarize themselves with the various individuals involved who will be witnesses for the trial.  We read the Statement of Agreed Facts for the case and students chose their roles for the trial.  As a reminder, here are the parts that have been assigned:

Prosecution Attorneys: Nia, Mary
Defense Attorneys: Caleb, Victoria
Defense Research: Olivia O.
Ghost of Julius Caesar: Fiona
Calpurnia: Olivia C.
Mark Antony: Lauren
Cassius: Ellen
Portia: Sadie
Marcus Brutus: John
Casca: Maximilian
Soothsayer: Ava

---

HOMEWORK

We will spend next class period preparing for the trial, which will take place after our winter break.  I encourage you to work together outside of class this week and especially over the break if you have time, so that you may prepare thoroughly for trial.

All Students: 
1. Spend some time this week researching Ancient Rome and the Roman Republic during the lifetime of Julius Caesar.  HERE is one (of many) links on the topic to get you started. Who was Julius Caesar? Was he well-liked and respected? Was he powerful? Why would members of his own Senate turn against him? What is a republic?

2. Read your own affidavit (if you are a witness) and research your historical figure. Read the other witness affidavits to get an overall understanding of the murder of Caesar and the role that each individual in this trial played.

The Affidavits Document

Student Attorneys:
Think about your theory of the case and what story line and argument you want to develop. Work together if possible this week to communicate your ideas. In class next week you will write opening statements and begin to develop direct examination questions with your witnesses.

As always, if you have questions or need guidance, please reach out to me so that I may help direct you.

Good Luck!