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The Mock Trial

The Mock Trial

Learn about The Mock Trial here

You have an opportunity to take part in a mock trial.

We have prepared a trial which the class can reenact under the supervision of the teacher.

Move through the slides to prepare for the trial of Sam Beckham.

 

Roles

In order to carry out a trial, the following roles should be assigned:

  • The Judge
  • The Court Registrar
  • Judicial Assistant
  • The Accused
  • Prosecution barrister(s)
  • Defence barrister(s)
  • Witnesses
  • The Jury (a jury usually consists of 12 people, but you may use a smaller number for the purposes of your mock trial)

Depending on numbers, you could also appoint:

  • A garda who sits beside the accused and then escorts the jury
  • Court reporter, to draft a 'news story' of the events that take place in the court
  • Court sketch artist, who produces sketches of the people in the courtroom (this can happen as cameras are disallowed in the courtroom).

 

A trial generally consists of:

  • Opening speeches (usually the prosecution goes first, to introduce their case)
  • Examination In Chief - where witnesses are called and questioned by both sides in the case.
  • Cross-examination - where witnesses are further questioned by the lawyers for the other side.
  • Closing speeches.
  • Jury deliberation and verdict.

 

Each participant should do their best to stay 'in character' during the trial.

The teacher is responsible for timekeeping.

  • If the accused is found guilty, the judge asks the accused to stand
  • The judge imposes a 'sentence'
  • If the accused is found not guilty, the judge tells him/her that he/she is free to go

Always remember there is a certain 'protocol' in effect when you are in the courtroom:

  • Witnesses stand to be sworn in and sit when giving their evidence
  • Barristers stand when examining witnesses
  • The accused, after the indictment is read and he/she pleads, sits down and does not rise until asked to do so by the judge
  • When speaking to the judge, he/she should be addressed as 'judge' or 'the court'
  • Interruptions are only allowed if permitted by the judge.  Everyone must remain silent unless involved in the giving or taking of evidence or otherwise talking to the judge
  • Mobile phones are not allowed in court
  • No eating or drinking is allowed in court
  • The jury must consider their verdict in private