Trial By Wire: Criminal & Civil Cases Mock Trial over Videoconference for High School Students
Trial by Wire: Criminal allows several sites to try a murder case. This project entails research by the students and their participation in a videoconference.They will simulate a court trial (taken from an actual Missouri court case). A librarian from the St. Louis County Library acts as judge and helps students research. Three classes from different schools are required to participate. One will act as the prosecution, one will be the defense, and one will be the jury. Here is the criminal case program breakdown:
1. Prosecution presents their evidence and argument, then the Defense presents.
2. Both sides present their final arguments; jury is allowed to question the judge before deliberating. Judge instructs the jury as to their task and deliberations; jury deliberates & reaches a verdict.
3. Jury announces their verdict; jury explains their verdict. Judge makes a statement. Students ask additional questions and discuss their learning experiences.
Trial by Wire: Civil allows several sites to try an illegal entry/excessive force case. This project entails research by the students and their participation in a videoconference. They will simulate a court trial (taken from an actual Federal civil court case). A librarian from the St. Louis County Library acts as judge and helps students research. Three classes from different schools are required to participate. One will act as the plaintiff, one will be the defense, and one will be the jury. Here is the civil case program breakdown:
1. Plaintiff presents their evidence & argument, then Defense presents.
2. Both sides present their final arguments; jury is allowed to question the judge before deliberating. Judge instructs the jury as to their task and deliberations; jury deliberates & reaches a verdict.
3. Jury announces their verdict; jury explains their verdict. Judge makes a statement. Students ask additional questions and discuss their learning experiences.
Please contact CSD with your requested date & time. This fits best with a block scheduling high school, but it is not required. If you want your class to participate in either mock trial, or have questions about the program, contact Rebecca Morrison. The programs are free of charge.
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