Intro to Mock Trial Ms. Snell Debate I

Picture a white bear.

What is the job of a trial lawyer?

The job of a trial lawyer Is to make sure the jury sees the bear you want them to see.

Legal Analysis Whom do you represent? What outcome do you want? What evidence do you have?

Every story can be reduced to one sentence. That sentence is your theory of the case.

Prosecution Represents the Victim(s) Plaintiff Has more of a burden= harder to convince BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT/ INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

Defense Represents the Defendant Less of a burden = easier to win –As long able to prove ANY doubt to panel of 12 jury members

Representing the Bears What outcome do you want?

Representing the Bears What outcome do you want? Goldilocks to pay for the damage she did.

Representing the Bears What evidence do you have?

Representing the Bears What evidence do you have? What the Bears saw.

Representing the Bears What is this case about in one sentence?

Representing the Bears This case is about three innocent bears whose sense of security was permanently destroyed when Goldilocks burglarized their home.

Representing Goldilocks What outcome do you want?

Representing Goldilocks What outcome do you want? Goldilocks does not have to pay.

Representing Goldilocks What evidence do you have?

Representing Goldilocks What evidence do you have? Goldilocks.

Representing Goldilocks What is this case is about in one sentence?

Representing Goldilocks This case is about a terrified little girl who was lost, hungry, and tired.

The job of a trial lawyer Is to make sure the jury sees the case that you want them to see.

Questioning The Prosecution begins the trial, the Defense calls their witnesses second Direct Examination Attorneys ask questions to their own witnesses Example: –Prosecution Attorney Q’s Prosecution Witness –Defense Attorney Q’s Defense Witness Cross Examination Attorneys ask questions to the opposing side’s witnesses Example: –Prosecution Attorney Q’s Defense Witness –Defense Attorney Q’s Prosecution Witness

Legal Analysis and Theme Whom do you represent? What outcome do you want? What evidence do you have?

Every story can be reduced to one sentence. That sentence is your theory of the case.