Preparation for Mock Trials

In a moment our well prepared attorneys will deliver their briefs to the masses of Justices to carefully review. Each Justice should receive TWO briefs. Once you receive these briefs you will do two things: 1. Read through both briefs and write detailed descriptions of each sides case. Please site precedents and focus on the main arguments on each case. 2. Create 5 questions for each brief (thats a total of 10) on things that confuse you or do not make sense or add up. These will be asked during the Oral Arguments. You must also create a name tag to sit in front of you during oral arguments. Ask me for paper.

As for the attorneys... With your opponents brief in hand you now have time to go through it with your partner and pick apart their argument. Discuss how you will counter their claims and begin to write up your oral arguments. Allot time to get both your argument across and refute theirs. Remember you both will have 6 minutes each and the Justices will have questions... Before we begin the next step I need all Justices from each case to get together and decide on a Chief Justice!

Preparing for Oral Arguments Tomorrow we will meet here but we will be going to Mr. Mastin’s room which will be easier to rearrange. In order to do three complete trials on Thursday we will need to be well prepared to rock and roll as soon as we get into class. YOU MUST COME TO CLASS ON THURSDAY. Do not be late.

I’ll need help quickly setting up the room. It will look like this: Front of Room J A J J J CJ J J J J AAA

Those of you in the audience will be expected to do a short write up for each other case. Main Arguments of each side and, based on their questions and the mood of the court, which way do you think the Court will rule and why. (This will be turned in with the rest of the packet). Each side will have 12 minutes of oral arguments. No more, no less. In the case of Vernonia v. Acton counsel for Vernonia will speak first. In the case of Snyder v. Phelps counsel for Snyder will speak first. In the case of Texas v. Johnson counsel for Texas will speak first.

During these 12 minutes Counsel will take turns explaining their case while fielding pertinent and clarifying questions by the Justices. When addressing the Justices question Council must be cordial! “Yes Justice Brayer” “No Chief Justice Roberts.” The proceedings will begin with the Chief Justice saying “We will now hear oral arguments in the case of Blank v Blank. Counsel representing Blank will begin” Counsel must come dressed in proper attire. No shorts and sandals.

During the proceedings I expect each justice to do do things: 1. Ask at least one question to each side. THis will be part of your grade. 2. Be taking notes that you will use during your deliberations over the weekend. Following Oral arguments the class will pretty much be over. This is when the Justice’s big job arrives. It is now time for you to consider both sides briefs, their oral arguments and your notes to determine which sides case was more convincing but, more importantly, which side is more constitutional. You will write a one page, single spaced, typed, decision that explains why you went with the side you did. Include precedents and reasoning. Due Monday.