Mock+Trials

**Mock Trials**

**Content** Social Studies - government, law

**Grade Level** Grades 6 - 12

**Curriculum Standards** SS.O.8.1.1: evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in government at the local, state, and national levels and assume the role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process SS.O.8.1.2: debate and practice forms of civic discussion SS.O.8.1.3: argue the effectiveness of selected public policies and citizen behaviors SS.O.8.1.5: organize and provide examples of multiple points of view about selected public issues and evaluate the influence of diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy and decision-making SS.O.8.1.9: outline and utilize a process to express opinion, resolve problems and/or seek assistance SS.O.8.2.1: analyze the devision of powers and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States and West Virginia state government SS.O.8.2.5: outline, illustrate, and develop a mock bill and assume the roles of lawmakers to accomplish passage of the bill into law SS.O.8.2.5: analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal, state, local and special courts and explain why a selected case would be heard in a designated court

**Description of Practice** Using this strategy, the classroom is set up like a courtroom, in which a pretend trial will take place. Mock trial also takes place between schools in which each school has their own teams, prepare for the event, and come together to debate. In a classroom setting, the steps are as follows:
 * Pick a topic - This can be a court case that has already taken place, a topic currently affecting the school or student body, or a historical event
 * Choose sides - The class should be broken into threee groups, one on each side of the debate, and some students left for the jury and judge
 * Choose roles - attorneys, people involved in the case, judges, witnesses, jury etc. (These will vary based on the case/ topic chosen)
 * Research - Each side will need to conduct research using newspapers, the internet, books, or other resources to create a valid debate
 * Set up the classroom like a courtroom
 * Follow courtroom procedures to conduct the trial

**Implementation Considerations** This could be done in any type of classroom, self-contained or general education. The teacher needs to be aware of time constraints, as this will take more than one class period. Especially for the first trial, students will need lots of guidance in order for the trial to be successful. Also, be aware of students whose opinions may overshadow the opinions of others so that all members of the group are able to have input.

**Example** http://www.peterpappas.com/journals/trial.htm - This site has mock trial scripts. I especially like "The Jack Whitmore Case."

**Citation** Popp, T. E. (1991). A mock trial program for the junior high school classroom. // Clearing House //,// 64 //(3), 179.