1. Essential Question: How do you stage a mock trial?
“Red Kayak” Mock Trial
Essential Question:
How do you stage a mock trial?

2. What is a trial? Orderly way to let both sides of a story be heard
These sides are judged by people who are not directly involved
Are JT and Digger INNOCENT or GUILTY?

3. Writing a Brief? Written argument of the case from each side
Who was involved?
Facts about case from each perspective
Side one: Prosecuting- Di Angelos
Side two: Defendant- JT and Digger

4. Who does what? Judge: Decides the verdict/ punishment
Clerk: Announces opening
Court Reporter: Keeps record of trial
Jurors: 6-12 people who decide whether the defendant is innocent or guilty
Witnesses: Provide Evidence (Brady, Carl, Parents)
Prosecuting lawyer: Di Angelo Family representative
Plaintiff: Person injured (Mr. and Mrs. Di Angelo)
Defendants: Those accused of the crime (JT and Digger)
Defense Lawyer: JT and Digger’s representative
Police: Present Evidence

5. Groups One and Two: Three and Four: Five: Six:
Report explaining witnesses side (Mr. and Mrs. Di Angelo)
Help Di Angelo family develop questions/opening statement (lawyer)
Determine key points
Three and Four:
Report explaining witnesses side (JT and Digger)
Help JT and Digger develop questions/opening statements (lawyer)
Five:
Evidence
Six:
Jury

6. Presenting the Trial Step ONE-Opening: Step TWO-Opening statements:
“All rise District Court of Chester County, State of Pennsylvania is now in session, the honorable judge Campbell presiding. Please be seated and come to order. The court will now hear the case of (prosecution (Diangelo) vs. defendants’ last names (Griswald and Tyler).
Step TWO-Opening statements:
Prosecuting lawyer- events from client’s point of view (Di Angelo family)
Defense lawyer- events from client’s point of view (JT and Digger)

7. Presenting the Trial Continued
Step THREE- Witnesses and Evidence:
Prosecuting lawyer presents evidence to support side
Court Clerk swear in witnesses
“You do solemnly affirm that the testimony you may give in the case now pending before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
Brady and Carl share statements
Defense lawyer questions any of the prosecutions’ witnesses
Parents, JT and Digger make statements
Prosecuting lawyer may question defense witnesses (Parents)
Police present Evidence
Step FOUR- Final Persuasion:
Closing arguments (Prosecution then Defense)

8. Presenting the Trial Continued
Step FIVE- Decision time:
Jury deliberates
Considers all sides
Makes unanimous decision
Given to judge
Step SIX- Verdict:
Judge shares verdict aloud

9. Setting up the Courtroom
Witness Stand Bench (Judge Sits)- FRONT
Jury
Box
Counsel Table Counsel Table 2 (Where lawyers sit)
Gallery (Journalists, Witness, Victim, Public, Police)