Mosaic Freeschool

  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities
  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities

Mosaic Minutes

Mock Trials Class Summary 9/29/14

9/30/2014

0 Comments

 
with Jayne Besjak

Theory of the Case 

Picture
We used the beginning of class this week to review important concepts and terminology students have been studying in preparation for conducting a mock trial.  The overall trial procedure (the steps in a trial), courtroom participants and their responsibilities, and the differences between criminal and civil trials should now be familiar territory for students.

Using our example case of McGregor vs. Peter Rabbit we discussed how lawyers develop a theory of the case or "storyline" that describes events from their perspective to argue effectively for either guilt or innocence. This story must be backed up with supporting facts, evidence, and witness testimony.  The discussion of these concepts seemed rather abstract to students until they once again broke into teams and began to dig into the details of the tale and pull out specific information to formulate their arguments.

Students worked in prosecution and defense teams (six students per team) to brainstorm and develop strategies for arguing their side of the case. Two students on each team were tasked with drafting an opening statement and four students on each team were responsible for identifying facts, evidence, and witnesses to support their theory.

Picture
The Defense Team
It was very interesting to watch students initially struggle to come up with a direction forward, not knowing where or how to begin articulating their theory. But after searching the story and mulling over ideas with teammates, they arrived at some exciting "aha" moments and their theories began to take shape and build momentum. Students started looking at the subtleties of the story, reading more carefully to interpret precisely what had occurred. They began to see nuances in the characters and thinking creatively about how the pieces might tie together to help form their case. By the end of the class, both sides had formulated their theory, written opening statements, and compiled a list of witnesses to question.  Way to go teams!
Picture
The Prosecution Team

Opening Statements

The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce to the jury the facts of the trial.  Students have learned that an opening statement basically paints a picture of how the trial will proceed and outlines what the evidence will show or prove. This of course is a direct out-growth of the overall theory of the case. The delivery of the opening statement should flow naturally and keep the attention of the jury. We will work on these and other aspects of public speaking throughout the semester.

There was just enough time at the end of class for each side to quickly run through their opening statements. We will hear these again next week as part of the entire trial of McGregor vs. Peter Rabbit.
Picture
Prosecution
Picture
Defense

Homework - Final Preparation for Trial!

Next week students will conduct the mock trial of McGregor vs Peter Rabbit, including opening statements and direct and cross examination of witnesses. This will be an example run through of the mock trial process, and there is no expectation that students will be fully prepared for every aspect of the trial. The purpose is to walk through the trial together as a learning experience so that all students become comfortable with the trial procedure.  We will be pausing many times throughout the trial to answer questions and to discuss protocol for questioning witnesses, making objections, etc.

EVERYONE should read and re-read the Tale of Peter Rabbit so that you know the facts cold and are prepared to make your best argument.

Prosecution and Defense teams should come prepared with:
  • A written opening statement
  • A list of witnesses to call for questioning (and the order in which you intend to call them)
  • Specific written questions to ask each witness
  • Some thought as to what witnesses the OTHER team may be calling so that you may anticipate questions you'll need to ask in cross-examination

My understanding at the end of class is that both sides have prepared this information.  However, it may be necessary for teammates to communicate and coordinate this week to finalize the work. If you do not have contact information for your team, please email me and I will provide that for you.  For those responsible for delivering the opening statements - make sure both teammates are involved and communicating on the final draft of the statement. 

If anyone has any questions about the homework, please contact me.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in court next week!
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Afternoon Enrichment
    Closures
    Clubs
    Early Elementary
    Mosaic Texas
    Odyssey Of The Mind
    Out Of This World
    Philosophy
    Tesserae Fall 2012
    Tesserae Fall 2013
    Tesserae Fall 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2013
    Tesserae Spring 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2015
    Tesserae Spring 2016

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from nojhan, Clay Gilliland, mynameisharsha, kim siciliano salem, matthewvenn, photogirl7.1, El Bibliomata, ~Brenda-Starr~, Anne Worner, Heather Bickle, NASA Goddard Photo and Video, Black.Dots., marta.b, Felipe Venâncio, A. Galassi, bibliojojo, Bibliothèque - Les Champs Libres - Rennes, Robert Hensley, opensourceway, Greenland Travel, est1996x, John-Morgan, camnjeanacess, plindberg, chrisjtse, Vox Efx, philosophygeek, utpala ॐ, Cea., Phil Roeder, andreazgarcia, stevecadman, laynasaur, Steve A Johnson, mattk1979, Tattooed Hippy, spacepleb, Mateus Hidalgo, Todd Binger, TRF_Mr_Hyde, ComputerHotline, Hampshire and Solent Museums, Ben Sutherland, philip_sheldrake, WeeLittlePiggy, echiner1, gruntzooki, emmeffe6, saoire, symphony of love, ups2006, Dave_B_, bobsfever, Kelly Short6, RichardBH, frau-Vogel, Skype Nomad, giopuo, Tomi Tapio