Mock Trial: Daily Activities Criminal Law

Shin pads PREPARATION

Mock Trial Preparation Today Each group must create (type) a script for each of THEIR witnesses- questions and their answers Each group must create (type) their cross examination questions- these will not necessarily be written in stone, you may change them on the trial day itself Each group must have a typed opening statement Each group must have an outline of a closing argument

Mock Trial tips Credibility of Witnesses is key Rehearse, Rehearse and Rehearse again- check your timing Prepare for some questions that will HARM your side- don’t shy away from the truth Dress for the part- for one day out of your teenage life you need to dress up- dress to support your credibility…need a tie, I can get you one Prepare for the worst- a witness or lawyer doesn’t show up…uhoh

Crown Know the charge 100% What is needed for the actus reus? What is needed for the mens rea? Credibility of your witnesses… Credibility of their witnesses…

Defence Know the charge 100% According to YOUR witnesses, especially the accused- do you think you will go with not guilty or admit that it occurred but you have a defense- Could drop the charges to a lower charge- see where is discusses the defence in your package You have to communicate with the Crown how you will respond- not right away

Witnesses Develop your character- how might they think or act or talk It is not a time for humour Your are playing to your classmates- the jury- think about how they might think No notes unless a police officer Cross examination preperation

Evidence If you have any evidence, it has to be presented properly Label it Let the other side see it At the trial it must be introduced and verified by a witness Given to court clerk first, verified by judge See OBA guide

Trial Script 1. Judge calls order (all students rise- including Jury) 2. Crown identifies themselves- defence follows 3. Judge reads indictment and the accused pleads (not guilty) 4. Crown Opening Statement 5. Crown Chief Examination of 1st Witness 6. Defence cross Examination of Crown 1st Witness 7. Crown Chief Examination of 2nd Witness 8. Defence cross Examination of Crown 2nd Witness 8a. Re-examination if requested

Trial Script 9. Defence opening statement 10. Defence Chief Examination of 1st Witness 11. Crown cross Examination of 1st Witness 12. Defence Chief Examination of 2nd Witness 13. Crown Cross Examination of 2nd Witness 14. Re-examination if requested

Trial Script 15. Defence provides Closing Argument 16. Crown provides Closing Argument 17. Judge gives charge to the jury 18. Jury is directed to leave- all rise 19. Jury returns with verdict 20. Judge reads verdict, returns to Foreperson, Jury reads verdict 21. Case is concluded