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Goal

As a teacher in the Criminal Justice Academy at Lely High School, I teach about our court system and trial process. I also coach our competitive Mock Trial Team. To further deepen students' knowledge about the courts and the roles of the participants in a trial, I conduct Mock Trials using students to fill the roles of court officials. Students perform their roles using the techniques they learned in our criminal justice class. The impact of Mock Trials on our class is measured by successfully attaining the following objectives:
To promote greater understanding of and appreciation for the law, court procedures, and the judicial system.
To improve basic life skills, such as critical thinking, reading, speaking, and advocacy.
To improve communication and cooperation among students, teachers, legal professionals, and citizens.
To heighten appreciation for the principle of equal justice for all.
To promote an awareness of current legal issues.
To promote the exchange of ideas among students from throughout the state of Florida.
 

What will be done with my students

A criminal case from a previous High School Florida Mock Trial is selected. Students will assume the roles of Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, Witnesses, Experts, Defendant, Bailiff, Jury, and Judge.

Students will prepare for the trial using sworn statements and physical evidence that has been submitted for use in the trial. Students must prepare for direct examination and cross-examination. Jurors must deliberate and come to a verdict based on the evidence. All Florida Court rules and procedures will be followed.

Key Elements to Case Preparation

Theory of the Case: A short succinct statement of an advocate’s position that justifies the verdict he or she is seeking.

Elements of the Case: Components of the case that have to be proved to prevail.

Case Themes: Words, phrases and ideas that evoke emotions and help communicate the case story to jurors so they can make sense of the evidence and testimony they see and hear.

Witness Analysis: The strengths, weaknesses, and key testimony of each witness.

Exhibit Analysis: The strengths, weaknesses, and key aspects of each exhibit.

Burden of Proof:
Criminal Case: Prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt
Civil Case: Plaintiff must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence

Creating a story: Crafting a compelling, consistent, and believable story about what happened from your side’s point of view.  

Benefits to my students

Mock Trial teaches essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and the art of forming a persuasive, cohesive argument. Competing students practice and improve their skills in the areas of oral advocacy, fact development, legal analysis, witness examination, and trial advocacy. Preparing for the competitions in teams, students learn how to work collaboratively with their peers. Students who participate in Mock Trial gain analytical skills from analyzing cases and facts, and learn how to compose effective arguments and respond to questions or disputes. Mock Trial also provides a rewarding and memorable experience of interaction with other students, schools, and legal professionals.
 

Budget Narrative

To implement a Mock Trial in our classroom, I will arrange the tables and chairs in a courtroom layout with a podium for the judge, tables for prosecutor and defense, and chairs to simulate a jury box. I am requesting a black graduation gown to be used as the judge's robe, a gavel and block for the judge, and the book titled, "Winning at Trial" by Shane Read that provides easy-to-understand rules and strategies for attorneys and witnesses in a trial. I sincerely appreciate any assistance provided for the purchase of these items for our classroom Mock Trial. Thank you! Lely High School Criminal Justice Academy! 

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