Mock Trial
For this assignment, you will be putting on a mock trial. You may need to work on this trial outside of class.
You will receive a group grade and an individual grade. Your group will be graded on both the performance
during the trial and the written work.
SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS FOR TEAM MEMBERS TO LEARN ARE:
1. Deciding which points are the most important to prove your side of the case and making sure such
proof takes place.
2. Stating clearly what you intend to prove in an opening statement and then arguing effectively in your
closing that the facts and evidence presented have proven your case.
3. Following the formality of the court, e.g., standing up when the judge enters or when addressing the
judge, calling the judge "Your Honor," etc.
4. Phrasing direct examination questions that are not leading or asking so many questions on crossexamination that well-made points are lost. When a witness has been contradicted or otherwise
discredited, learn to limit additional questions, as they often lessen the impact of previously made
points.
5. Present relevant items as evidence to prove or disprove the case.
6. Thinking quickly on your feet when a witness gives an unexpected answer, an attorney asks
unexpected questions, or a judge throws questions at you.
7. Recognizing which questions and answers are objectionable, offering those objections quickly, and
providing the appropriate basis for the objection.
8. Paying attention to all facets of the trial, not just the parts that directly affect your presentation. All
information heard is influential! Learn to listen and incorporate information so that your presentation,
whether as a witness or as an attorney, is the most effective it can be.
9. The mock trial should be as enjoyable as it is educational. If the judge falls asleep in the middle of the
trial….
THE PARTIES OF A TRIAL:
Plaintiff. The plaintiff is the person who begins the suit. In the complaint, the plaintiff states, or alleges, that
he or she was injured by the conduct of another. The plaintiff usually is represented by a lawyer.
Prosecuting Attorney: In this case, the P.A. and the plaintiff will probably be the same person. The P.A.
may represent the state (as in the case of murder) because the actual victim (or plaintiff) may not be
available.
Defendant. The defendant is the individual sued by the plaintiff. In this trial, you will be presenting a
criminal case. The defendant usually is also represented by an attorney.
Defense Attorney: This person disputes the statements or allegations or may admit the allegations, but
argue that he/she has a valid defense to the claims (such as self-defense).
The Judge. The judge decides which disputed facts (evidence), may be presented to the jury. The judge
also tells the jury in "jury instructions" what the applicable law is. The judge decides the issues of law in the
case. In this trial, your teacher will act as the judge.
Court Reporter. The clerk writes down all questions asked and the answers to them as well as any
objections made.
The Jury. The jury is usually a group of ordinary citizens selected to decide the case. A jury usually is
made up of a group of six or twelve individuals, depending on state law. In most states, a jury must reach a
unanimous verdict. That is, all members of the jury must agree with the decision. Some states allow for less
than a unanimous verdict in some civil cases. If less than the required number of jurors agree, then the jury
is a "hung jury." That means that the jury was unable to reach a decision. In that case, the case can be
tried again.
Witnesses. Witnesses must have specific knowledge of what happened. Witnesses are generally not
allowed to present hearsay testimony (such as gossip). Witnesses may detail objects the attorney puts into
evidence. Expert witnesses may not know the specific facts in the case but may use their specialized
knowledge to help the jury understand complex evidence.
The Bailiff. The bailiff is a court officer charged with keeping order in the court and helping the jury. A bailiff
also may oversee custody of prisoners while in court during criminal cases and swears in the witnesses.
News Reporter(s) take notes or use a tape recorder while covering a trial. Basic tasks of reporters involve
viewing events objectively, reporting them accurately, and explaining their significance.
Sketch Artist draws likenesses of subjects according to observation or descriptions to depict courtroom
scenes, using mediums such as pencil, charcoal, and pastels.
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
1. Beginning the trial, the bailiff brings in first the jury, next the prosecutor, and finally the defense.
2. The bailiff announces, “All rise. The Celebrated High Court of Jennings is now in session; the
Honorable Judge _____________ is presiding.” Everyone remains standing until the judge enters and
takes the bench.
3. The judge asks, Bailiff, what is on today’s calendar?”
4. The bailiff says, “Your Honor, today’s case is Animals versus Napoleon Pig.“
5. The judge then asks the attorneys for each side if they are ready to begin the trial.
6. Prosecution's opening statement. (2-5 min)
7. Defense's opening statement. (2-5 min.)
8. First prosecution witness to witness box.
9. First witness to witness box, and the bailiff swears him/her in.
10. Prosecution direct examination. (4-7 min.)
11. Defense cross-examination. (4-7 min.)
12. Prosecution may re-direct, if requested.
13. Defense may re-cross, if requested
14. Judge instructs the witness to step down.
15. Call of next witness (repeat steps 8-12 for each witness)
16. When all prosecution witnesses have been called, Prosecution rests.
17. Defense calls first witness (repeat steps 8-12 for each witness)
18. Defense closing argument. (2-5 min.)
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Prosecution closing argument. (2-5 min.)
Judge gives directions to the jury.
Bailiff leads the jury to the jury room to decide the verdict.
Jury returns the verdict.
The bailiff hands the verdict sheet to the judge and then returns it to the jury foreman.
Judge directs the jury foreman to read verdict and then thanks them for their service.
Judge renders sentence or recommendation for sentencing hearing.
OBJECTIONS (USED BY THE ATTORNEYS
In this trial, each attorney must object at least twice. They may object more often, but be careful not to
overdo it. Each attorney can plan to purposely make mistake to keep the opponent on his toes.
1. Ambiguous- question is vague, uncertain, or capable of being understood in more than one way.
2. Asked and Answered- should be used to stop repetitive questioning.
3. Argumentative- permits opposing counsel to badger the witness into changing his story even though
he may not mean to do so.
4. Assumes facts not in evidence- the question may trap the witness into affirming the truth of the
assumed fact, without meaning to do so.
5. Badgering- the attorney is asking questions in such a way that is intimidating or upsetting the witness.
6. Calls for speculation- witness is asked to just guess at the answer.
7. Irrelevant- unconnected with the case.
8. Leading- should be made as soon as it becomes apparent that opposing counsel is testifying for the
witness.
9. Multiple questions- question is really a series of questions and the jury may be confused as to which
question is being answered.
10. Repetitive questions- question needlessly repeats prior questions without adding to the evidence. The
question has previously been asked and answered. NOTE: An attorney, on cross-examination, may
repeat a question asked on direct and may at times repeat his own question for emphasis.
ITEMS DUE AFTER THE TRIAL
You may type or hand-write (in ink) the required items. In the folder will be the following items:
A. Information from both the prosecuting and defense attorney
1. Opening statements
2. Closing statements
3. All witness questions
B. Witness information
A 200-250 word description using "I" showing his/her involvement in the case
C. Jury verdict
A 200-250 word explanation of the verdict and why it was chosen. Include any information that
made this clear to you without a reasonable doubt.
D. Bailiff and clerk information (with the jury folder)
A 200-250 word essay of information you think should have been shown or questions you think
should have been asked of the witnesses and comments on how the trial went and your
involvement.
E. News Reporter(s) and Sketch Artist(s)
Using a newspaper format, write a 200-250 word article each including sketches from the trial.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ________________________________
ASSISTANT DEFENSE ATTORNEY _____________________
NAPOLEON ________________________________________
SQUEALER ________________________________________
WHYMPER _________________________________________
PROSECUTOR ______________________________________
ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR ___________________________
BENJAMIN _________________________________________
BOXER ____________________________________________
MURIEL ____________________________________________
COURT REPORTER __________________________________
BAILIFF ____________________________________________
JUROR 1 ___________________________________________
JUROR 2 ___________________________________________
JUROR 3 ___________________________________________
JUROR 4 ___________________________________________
JUROR 5 ___________________________________________
JUROR 6 ___________________________________________
JUROR 7 ___________________________________________
JUROR 8 ___________________________________________
JUROR 9 ___________________________________________
JUROR 10 __________________________________________
JUROR 11 __________________________________________
JUROR 12 __________________________________________
NEWS REPORTER ___________________________________
NEWS REPORTER ___________________________________
SKETCH ARTIST ____________________________________
SKETCH ARTIST ____________________________________
The Animals vs. Napoleon
Case Summary:
This is a civil action lawsuit brought by Benjamin on behalf of the other non-pig animals that live on Animal Farm
(formerly known as Manor farm). The lawsuit alleges that Napoleon, president and leader of Animal Farm, and the
other pigs violated the animals’ civil rights as set forth in the Seven Commandments of Animalism. This suit takes
place soon after Napoleon is elected unanimously as president. (Middle of Chapter 9)
Characters:
Benjamin – donkey who is the oldest animal on Animal Farm and can read
Boxer - carthorse who is reputedly the strongest animal on Animal Farm
Muriel – white goat who can read
Napoleon – pig who is one of the leaders of the revolution and president of Animal Farm
Squealer – pig who is chiefly responsible for communicating government policies to other animals
Mr. Wymper – human who is from a town not far from Animal Farm who negotiates business for animals
The Issue:
The jury will determine whether Napoleon violated the civil rights of the other non-pig animals as originally set forth
in the Seven Commandments of Animalism. Napoleon is charged specifically with violating Commandment One
(whatever goes on two legs is enemy) and/or Commandment Seven (all animals are equal).
The Plaintiff’s Argument:
Plaintiffs claim that Defendant violated Plaintiff’s civil rights in the following ways:
• Defendant violated Commandment Seven by creating a class system through which the pigs enjoyed privileges
that were not provided to the other animals and demanded treatment superior to that of all other non-pig
animals;
• Defendant violated Commandment One by befriending and entering into trade negotiations with their twolegged enemy, human beings; and
• Defendant exceeded the authority by revising and or amending the original Commandments without prior
consent or a majority vote of the other non-pig animals.
The Defendant’s Argument:
The Defendant claims that the Commandments were interpreted by the Defendant according to the ever-changing
circumstances on Animal Farm and for the benefit of all the animals. According to the Defendant, all such
interpretations were well within the authority as acknowledged and, later, the elected leader of Animal Farm. The
Defendant also will argue that, even if they did make changes to the Commandments (which Defendant does not
admit making), Plaintiffs failed to object to any alleged changes and therefore waived any right to object now.
Guidelines:
1. Each person in your group MUST have a significant role in the trial.
2. Each person in your group MUST turn in a written account of what he/she has contributed to this project during
its preparation and presentation. (see handout for specific writing assignment)
3. The courtroom scene MUST demonstrate a thorough understanding and analysis of the novel from which the
characters are drawn. You may deviate slightly from the novel as long as your changes are credible.
4. The trial MUST include references to the novel—for example; have characters give direct quotes from the book,
use descriptions of scenes in the book, etc.
5. Creativity counts!! You have the liberty of putting words in the characters’ mouths, but again, everything should
be credible (meaning the thought behind the words/actions is clearly found in the novel).
6. Please make your presentation interesting…it would be a bad thing if the judge fell asleep in the middle of the
trial.
WITNESS STATEMENT: BENJAMIN
I am an old Donkey who has lived a long life and has seen many things. In fact, I am the oldest
animal on Animal Farm. I have seen animals come and go on Animal Farm. I have seen animals
being born and I have seen other animals die - not always from natural causes.
I don’t care to talk much with the other animals. I don’t often if ever find anything worth laughing or
smiling about. I know that God gave me my tail to swat away the pesky flies but I would much rather
be without my tail than deal with that nuisance. Yes, I have a reputation for being cynical and having
a bad temper, but I’m not as hard-nosed as some animals think. I don’t let the others know this but I
am quite fond of Boxer. He has never worked harder than he has since the rebellion, when the
animals fought Mr. Jones off the farm.
I remember well how it all began. Old Major had a prophetic vision in a dream. The next night, he
called all the animals into the barn for a meeting. He spoke to us at great length about this dream of
his and how someday our short, miserable lives of slavery would end. If we only rebeihid against the
humans, we could control our own destinies and enjoy more riches than we would ever imagine.
Blah, blah, blah. It’s all talk. Just a pipe dream, I thought. Nothing ever really changes. But the other
animals got all excited about Old Major’s speech and kept singing Beasts of England until late in the
night. It’s a nice song, but I needed my sleep. A few nights later, as he had predicted himself, Old
Major died peacefully in his sleep. After that, Old Major became larger than life to the animals. The
pigs seemed to be doing things in secret to prepare for the planned rebellion. It’ll never happen, I
thought.
I was wrong, but that didn’t phase me either. Within only a few months, we animals did rebel
againstJones. It was Jones’s own fault. That stupid human got drunk and forgot to feed us or milk the
cows. So we decided to feed ourselves. The cows broke into the storeroom and — when Jones and
his farm hands tried to stop us - we drove them out. After the rebellion, we burned all the chains,
whips and other things the humans had used to make our lives miserable. I noticed that Boxer even
burned the straw hat he wore during the summertime to keep the pesky flies out of his ears. I thought
that was quite a sacrifice.
The morning after the Rebellion, Snowball and Napoleon told all the other animals about how they
had studied the last three months. They had found books that the Jones brats had thrown away. The
pigs had learned to read and write. Snowball and Napoleon told us how we could now run the farm
according to Old Major’s ideas. They called it “Animalism”. According to Napoleon and Snowball,
Animalism boiled down to a few simple commandments. Snowball painted the “Seven
Commandments of Animalism” on the side of the barn. They told us that these commandments
would form an “unalterable law” that all the animals on the farm would now live by.
The commandments were painted in big letters so you could see them from thirty yards away. We all
listened as Napoleon and Snowball read them out loud and then we all nodded in agreement. They
sounded okay by me. I was not as awe-inspired as the others.
I have lived a long time and have seen a lot. Who knew if things would really change for the better?
So we set to work. It seemed to me that each animal worked to his or her own capacity, although
some worked more or harder than others. I didn’t work any harder than usual. What was the point? I
did my part, but I certainly never volunteered for extra work. The pigs didn’t work at all; they
“supervised”. I remember being asked whether I was happier since Jones left. Happiness was never
my goal; I just get by. like I told them, donkeys live a long time.
The pigs decided that we all should learn to read. It wasn’t too hard for me. I could read as well as
the pigs, but I never felt like reading. What was there worth reading? Muriel and the dogs learned to
read fairly well, but the other animals were too stupid. I didn’t understand what all the fuss was
about. I wished they’d just leave me alone. And those stupid sheep chanting “two legs good, four
legs bad”! Would they never shut up? I wish Snowball had never taught it to them.
I have to say that the first harvest went well. Maybe too well. The humans must have got wind of
how we were doing, because that fall Jones came back with some other farmers to try and retake the
farm. We took care of them. Snowball led us. Yes, I fought with the others. Afterwards, the other
animals celebrated what they called the Battle of the Cowshed. I didn’t join them. I had seen a lot in
my life and didn’t really think this or anything else was much worth celebrating.
The pigs held Sunday meetings, where we talked about what was happening on the farm. Then we’d
vote. Napoleon and Snowball always disagreed. All that arguing gave me a headache. A lot of times
I’d tune it all out. Things got really heated when Snowball proposed that we build a windmill for the
farm. Napoleon was against it. It sounded like a lot of work to me. But Snowball was pretty
convincing. I think everyone would have voted for it. But just before the vote, Napoleon whistled for
his dogs. I had forgotten all about those puppies of Jessie and Bluebell. They sure weren’t puppies
anymore! They were huge, snarling beasts with studded collars. Snowball was lucky to get out alive.
It takes a lot to shock me, but that did.
After Snowball was gone, things changed dramatically. Napoleon declared an end to Sunday
meetings. I didn’t say anything. At least I wouldn’t have to listen to all that arguing any more. Some
of the other animals were upset, but they didn’t say anything either. When a few of the younger pigs
complained, the dogs growled at them. I decided not to get involved. Squealer tried to tell us how
Napoleon had to make the decisions so that we wouldn’t make bad decisions. I had my doubts about
whether Napoleon’s decisions would be good ones. But the other animals bought it. “Napoleon is
always right,” declared Boxer.
Then Napoleon and Squealer started telling us what a traitor Snowball was and how he was trying to
sabotage Animal Farm. All the other animals started to believe what Squealer was telling them about
Snowball. Of course, I didn’t believe anything that was said because I have learned during my long
life to never believe anything I hear. There is always another side. Nothing is precisely what it seems.
Most of the animals were confused when Napoleon declared that the Windmill would be built
anyway. I, on the other hand, was neither confused nor surprised. I never trusted Napoleon for one
minute because I don’t trust anyone, except maybe Boxer. I have been burned too many times in my
long life.
Our working conditions were never as good as they were after the first harvest at Animal Farm. We
spent too much time on that darned windmill and not so much on growing and harvesting food. As a
result, food became scarce. Rations were reduced drastically. But no one complained. We also had to
work longer hours. They told us it was voluntary, but if we didn’t do it they took away more of our
food.
Conditions were pretty bad. Squealer always told us how much better things were than when Jones
was in charge. None of the other animals would disagree because they simply didn’t remember. My
memory was pretty good and I have lived a long life and seen many things. I couldn’t recall
conditions being this bad before. But whenever Squealer or Napoleon talked about Jones coming
back, the animals decided they’d rather keep their freedom than risk being ruled by humans again.
The Commandments said all animals were supposed to be equal, but it didn’t look that way to me.
While the rest of us took care of the daily toil and drudgery of farming as well as building that stupid
windmill, the pigs took it easy. They said they needed to use their minds, not their bodies, to run
Animal Farm. Napoleon and Squealer said our fate was a heavy burden on their shoulders and they
had a duty to succeed. In order to succeed in their work, they apparently needed a variety of
nutrients, including all the milk (which they mixed into their mash) and apples. No milk or apples for
us! Napoleon claimed he didn’t even like milk or apples, but I had my doubts. The pigs even started
drinking alcohol.
As you have probably figured out by now, Jam not easily amused and it is hard to shock me. I
inwardly raised one half of an eyebrow when Napoleon announced that he was going to trade with
our enemy, the two-legged human beings. This, along with all the other changes, was explained away
by Squealer, Napoleon’s right-hand pig. Most animals accepted these explanations. I did not accept
anything. I just kept to myself.
The first time the windmill was destroyed, I was pretty sure it was from a severe thunderstorm but I
didn’t tell anyone. If they were too stupid to figure it out, then that was their problem. Napoleon
blamed Snowball and Squealer convinced everyone it was true. He couldn’t blame it on Snowball the
second time the windmill was destroyed. That time the humans used explosives to blow it up. I saw it
coming and I told the others what was happening. Napoleon had said it would be impossible for them
to tear it down. Hah! Nothing was left when they were done with it. It made the other animals so mad
that they charged the humans and drove them off. Six animals died and most of the others were
wounded. Still, Squealer - who, I noticed, hadn’t been present at the battle - claimed it a victory for
Animal Farm.
Shortly after so many non-pig animals confessed their purported “crimes” and died at the hooves of
Napoleon and his cohorts, I began wondering to myself if Napoleon and his followers had gone too
far. I also began questioning in my mind whether we were really any better off since Mr. Jones was
chased from his property. Conditions were terrible for all the non-pig animals. The pigs, on the other
hand, were getting fatter and lazier. And I hated the way they were always telling us what to do. The
pigs got way too full of themselves. They wanted us all to stand aside when we met them on a path.
They wore green ribbons on Sundays. It was ridiculous!
I can read. I know what those Commandments really said. The words on the barn wall kept
mysteriously changing. “With sheets,” “without cause,” “to excess”! How stupid did they think we
were P The night that we found Squealer on the ground next to a ladder and a bucket of paint, I knew
what they were doing. They changed the commandments when they thought we weren’t looking.
The pigs had twisted things all around. Old Major would roll over in his grave if he knew how they’d
turned around the principles on which Animalism was based.
The so-called “election” was the last straw. How could we have a meaningful vote when Napoleon
was the only one running? Everyone else was too scared to do anything but vote for him. One false
step and he’d sick the dogs on you.
After speaking with the other non-pig animals in private, I decided to file this lawsuit. I had to do it. I
had said very little and done even less since the pigs took over. It’s not like me to get involved.
Nothing ever really changes anyway, so what’s the use? But I couldn’t stand by any longer. Animal
Farm was failing and who knew what would happen if we didn’t do something.
These materials are copyrighted by the Ohio Mock Trial/Ohio Center for Law-Related Education, and may not be
reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
WITNESS STATEMENT: BOXER
I am not sure why they call me Boxer, come to think of it, it has something to do with my strength. I
am a carthorse who used to be the strongest animal on Animal Farm. Some said I had the strength of
two horses put together. I used to be taller but now my back curves inward, sinking towards the
ground. I have worked myself to exhaustion well beyond what was supposed to be my year of
retirement. I still look forward to the day Benjamin and I will retire to pasture together. Presently, I
suffer from arthritis and tire easily. But in my heyday, I was strong and worked hard. There is
nothing else I knew how to do so well.
I can’t read like many of the other animals. I’m not smart like the pigs and some of the other animals,
like Benjamin and Muriel. Those two could read with the best of the pigs. I can only remember four
letters of the alphabet at a time. If I learn four new letters, I forget the last four letters I learned - so
what’s the point in trying.
I don’t understand what this is all about Why do I have to make a “statement”? There were some
changes on the farm is all. Maybe if I worked harder, things wouldn’t have turned out the way they
did. I don’t know. What I do know is that Napoleon was always right Now my dear friend Benjamin
is bringing this lawsuit Like I said, I can’t read so I don’t know much about legal stuff.
A while back, Old Major told us about a dream he’d had. It was like he was predicting the future. Old
Major promised that someday we animals would be in charge, not the humans. When that day came,
we would eat better, work less and many of us would avoid being slaughtered. I hated it when the
animals were slaughtered. I don’t like it when I accidentally step on some small animal hiding under
the hay. Old Major’s dream sounded good to me.
After Old Major died, the pigs - especially Snowball, Napoleon and Squealer - began preparing to
take over the farm, just like Old Major had said. It was their duty to teach us because they were the
cleverest of all the animals on Animal Farm. I attended all of the secret meetings and for once I was
able to retain what I was being taught and pass it on to other animals. At the conclusion of these
meetings, Clover (the female cart horse) and I always led the singing of the Beasts of England song
that Old Major taught us.
Then one night, we rebelled. We didn’t plan to do it then, it just happened. We were all very hungry
because Mr. Jones and the farm hands hadn’t fed us. They hadn’t milked the cows, either. So we
helped ourselves. When Mr. Jones and his men came at us with whips, Clover and I bucked and
kicked from all sides along with the other animals. It wasn’t long before Jones and the farm hands
were running away from the farm.
When we were celebrating, the pigs told us that all animals must go naked. So I threw my straw hat
into the fire with the rest of the human rubbish. It felt good. Then we took stock of what we had
acquired. We had land with crops growing and pasture with farm buildings and a farmhouse! I
remember walking into the farmhouse. I kicked a barrel of beer in the scullery with my hoof. If felt
good. I think it was said that no animal must live in the farmhouse but that changed later.
The next morning the pigs told us about the Commandments of Animalism. These were rules, based
on Old Major’s dream. Snowball painted the Commandments on the side of the barn. I couldn’t read
them but the pigs said they were “unalterable.” That’s a pretty big word. I think it has something to
do with being divine. I can’t remember the Commandments now. They said something like “two legs
bad - four legs good.” Then we began the hay harvest.
For the harvest, Clover and I harnessed ourselves to the cutler or horse rake and went in the direction
the pigs told us to go. I worked harder for my fellow comrades than I had ever worked for Mr. Jones.
Some said I did the work of three horses. Whenever something didn’t go smoothly, I knew I just had
to work harder and everything would be all right. My personal motto was “I will work harder!” On
Sundays we got to rest up and plan for the coming week. We attended meetings every Sunday. At
those meetings, the pigs told us what we needed to do to keep the farm running. Then we would vote
for the pigs’ resolutions.
The pigs did all the managing and organizing for us. They educated every animal. Napoleon even
taught Jessie and Bluebell’s puppies. To keep up that kind of brainwork, they needed to drink milk
and eat apples. Some of the other animals wanted the pigs to share the milk and apples. But Squealer
told us that if the pigs didn’t get what they needed to be able to do all that thinking, the farm would
fail and Mr. Jones would come back. I didn’t mind giving up apples if it would keep Mr. Jones from
coming back.
After the harvest, Mr. Jones and a bunch of other men tried to re-capture our farm. Snowball -no, not
Snowball — Napoleon had prepared us for this day and we were ready thanks to him. Just when the
men thought they had us, we outsmarted them! I used to think it was Snowball who led us in battle,
and knocked the gun out of Mr. Jones’s hands and sent him hurtling into a pile of dung. Squealer set
me straight. He told us that it was actually Napoleon who did all those things. Sometimes I get
confused - I can almost picture Snowball, bloodied and brave, leading the battle. But if Napoleon
says Snowball was a traitor, then it must be so. I guess I must have gotten mixed up in the heat of
battle.
It was called the Battle of the Cowshed. Many of us were wounded and a sheep was killed. They
gave me a medal for bravery. I’m not sure I deserved it. I don’t like violence. I almost killed
someone that day. It was a stable boy from the next farm, Foxwood. I knocked him down and I
thought he was dead. I didn’t realize at the time that I was wearing iron shoes. I only meant to stun
the boy, not kill him. I don’t believe it’s right to take a life, even a human life. Later, the boy
recovered and ran off. I was so relieved that I hadn’t killed him.
After the Battle of the Cowshed, Napoleon and Snowball seemed to always disagree, especially
about the windmill. Snowball kept telling us how building a windmill would save us a lot of hard
work and extra hours. It would be hard to build, but I don’t mind working hard, and it sounded like
the windmill would be good for the farm. Napoleon didn’t say much and we thought he was against
the windmill. Later, after Squealer and Napoleon told us the truth about Snowball, we learned that
the windmill had been Napoleon’s idea all along.
Snowball left the farm just before it was announced that we would begin building the windmill. The
puppies Napoleon had trained chased Snowball off the farm. I was confused at the time, but Squealer
explained to us how Snowball was holding us back. Snowball sure had me fooled. I had no idea he
was such a traitor to Animal Farm! Thank goodness, Napoleon was our leader and he knew how to
bring us all together. I didn’t always understand why he did the things he did, but I trusted Napoleon.
It was easier when he made the decisions for us.
After Snowball left, Napoleon made some changes. A committee of pigs met by themselves and then
they would let us know what to do after their meetings. I didn’t like listening to the debates at our
meetings anyway - it was much too confusing. I preferred getting the orders and doing my work.
After all, Napoleon was always right.
Once we began building the windmill, we all worked harder than ever before. We made many
sacrifices, but the windmill was worth it. No one was forced to work that hard; everyone worked
voluntarily and of their own free will. Clover often warned me to be careful not to overstrain myself
but I knew once the windmill was built I could retire, so I worked even harder. I got up earlier and
sometimes I collected loads of stone and dragged them to the site all by myself. We were rewarded
with extra rations for our extra hard work. Our harvest may have suffered, but we built a windmill.
We were unable to grow or make some of the things we needed for the windmill, so Napoleon
decided we would barter with humans to obtain the things we needed. Napoleon was so smart. I
remember one day when Napoleon had me put sand in the bins before Mr. Whymper came to visit.
Napoleon said the humans thought we were starving and he said this simply wasn’t true, so we would
show them. I wasn’t quite sure what he meant, but I did what Napoleon asked because he was always
right.
Napoleon and the other pigs lived in the farmhouse where they could work without interruption.
Squealer explained it all to us. In the farmhouse they were able to sleep on the beds. They needed to
rest comfortably because of all their hard work. They also needed to relieve their stress. They did this
by drinking alcohol. They even learned how to make alcohol. Some of the other animals thought
these things were against the Commandments. I’m not sure about that. I just know that Napoleon was
always right.
I just couldn’t believe it when Snowball destroyed the Windmill. It was during the big storm.
Napoleon himself found Snowball’s hoof prints in the grass a distance from the knoll, so it had to be
him. I was so upset that I worked even harder to rebuild the windmill.
Napoleon told us that some of the other animals were working with Snowball to harm Animal Farm.
When they admitted their sins, Napoleon had them killed. At first I didn’t understand - I don’t like
killing, you know. I never thought such things would go on at our farm. But Napoleon was our
leader, so I guess he knew what was best.
We were all shocked when the windmill was destroyed a second time. I could not believe that the
human beings would do such a thing. All that hard work wasted! This last battle was not like the
Battle of the Cowshed. We were beaten and driven back, despite Napoleon’s efforts. (I didn’t
actually see Napoleon during the battle, but I’m sure he must have been there. After all, he was our
leader.) Then the men blew our windmill up with something called dynamite. It was a huge
explosion.
When Squealer announced our victory and started to celebrate, I was confused. I didn’t understand at
first how it really was a victory. I was hurt: I had lost a shoe, split a hoof and my legs were hit with
many pellets and they pained me. But we had prevented the men from taking the farm.
It was not until we began rebuilding the windmill a third time that I began to question my abilities. I
was getting old and my hoof was split and never seemed to heal properly. But I did not take any time
off. How could I? I hid my pain from all the animals, except for Clover. She treated my hoof and
urged me to stop working so hard. She said my lungs would not last forever. I just wanted to see the
windmill completed before I retired to pasture with Benjamin. I am sorry but my memory fails me. I
can’t remember whether we built the windmill again or really what exactly happened from this point
on. Please forgive me. That is all I can remember.
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reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
WITNESS STATEMENT: MURIEL
I am Muriel, the white goat. I have lived on Manor Farm - I mean Animal Farm - for a long time. I
lived through all the changes there. We never dreamed it would come to this.
In the beginning, Animal Farm seemed just like Old Major’s dream. We all worked hard together to
run the farm and we were so proud of what we were doing. But things changed. The pigs made all
those new rules. Soon, they were even living in the house. What would Old Major have thought
about that?! And then there were those “puppies”! The rest of us lived in fear. We had our doubts
about some of the things that were happening, but no one could speak up. We were too afraid.
After the rebellion, Snowball painted the Seven Commandments on the barn wall. I hadn’t learned to
read yet - that came later - but this is what they told us the Commandments were:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2 Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed
.5 No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill another animal.
7. All animals are equal.
The pigs told us the Seven Commandments were an unalterable law that all the animals on Animal
Farm had to live by ever after.
Those pigs were clever, there’s no denying that. They even learned how to milk the cows. How they
did that with their little trotters, I never knew. Jones used to stir some of the milk into our mash. We
asked the pigs to share the milk, but Napoleon told us not to worry about it. Later we learned that the
pigs took all of it for themselves. They took the windfall apples, too. Squealer told us they didn’t
even like milk and apples, but they ate them to preserve their health. “Brainworkers,” they called
themselves. If they failed in running the farm, Jones would come back, they told us. None of us
wanted Jones back. I did miss having an apple now and then, though.
The pigs may be the “brainworkers,” but I have a good brain, too. I can read better than most of the
other animals, even the dogs. They weren’t interested in reading anything except the Seven
Commandments. I attended all of the reading and writing classes and I learned to read very well. I
read anything I could get my hooves on, even the scraps of newspaper I find on the rubbish heaps. I
always say, “What a waste of good news!” and then I pick up the scraps and read them to the other
animals.
The sheep, hens, and ducks couldn’t read at all. They couldn’t even learn the Seven Commandments
by heart, like the rest of us did. So Snowball told them that all they had to remember was this saying:
aFourle good two legs bad” He called this the “essential principle” of Animalism. Snowball painted
this saying on the end wall of the barn, above the Seven Commandments and in bigger letters. The
sheep were able to memorize this. Did they ever! Later, whenever anyone would disagree with
Napoleon, the sheep would start bleating “Four legs good, two legs bad and over until the discussion
ended.
Education was important to the pigs. They read books to learn all about running a farm, and
Napoleon himself educated Jessie and Bluebell’s puppies. We had no idea when he took the puppies
how that would turn out. Later, it didn’t seem like such a good idea.
We used to have meetings every Sunday. The pigs would make decisions, but then we would all
discuss and vote on them. Napoleon and Snowball disagreed on almost everything in those meetings.
Snowball proposed the windmill and he convinced us all that it was a good idea. Napoleon didn’t say
much about it. When it finally came to a vote, we were all ready to agree with Snowball. Then
Napoleon made a funny high-pitched whistle and the “puppies” appeared. They had turned into huge
dogs and they went straight for Snowball. He barely escaped with his life!
We were all frightened after that. Those dogs would do whatever Napoleon said. And he said lots. He
cancelled our Sunday morning meetings and said a committee of pigs would decide everything and
give us our orders for the week. No more debates. We didn’t like the idea of this, and four of the
younger pigs spoke up against it. But then those dogs started growling and the four pigs got quiet.
Soon the sheep were chanting “Four legs good, two bad, “and that was that. Squealer explained to us
that Napoleon had to make the decisions - it was “for our own good,” he said. If the farm wasn’t
successful, Jones might come back. None of us wanted that. If we had to give up our debates to save
the farm, then we would.
We became more and more confused about the commandments. The pigs started using the
farmhouse. We thought we’d passed a resolution against this, but no one could remember it
specifically. One time there was a rumor that the pigs slept in the beds. Some of us remembered that
the commandments had said something about beds. Boxer just said his usual “Napoleon is always
right,” but Clover asked me to read the Fourth Commandment. It wasn’t like I remembered it. It said
“No animal shall sleep in a bed th sheets.” Clover and I hadn’t remembered that “sheets” part.
Squealer told us that beds were okay, but sheets were not because they were manmade. The pigs
weren’t using sheets, he said, just blankets - so everything was all right.
Lots of things had changed. Napoleon was always announcing new rules, like the pigs sleeping an
hour later than anyone else. Napoleon told us he was going to work with a human, Mr. Whymper, to
help the farm enter into trade agreements with neighboring farms. We thought we’d passed a
resolution against this, too, but we never wrote it down, so how could we prove it?
No, I never protested. No one did. We knew what might happen to us if we did - the same thing that
happened to those four young pigs. Napoleon had the dogs drag them before all of us. They were
frightened and bloody. Then they “confessed” that they had been working with Snowball to destroy
the windmill and turn the farm back over to humans. The dogs tore their throats out right there in the
yard! It was horrible. We didn’t know what to think. No animal had ever killed an animal on the farm
before this. Was this what we had worked so hard to achieve?
Clover and I talked about it. Clover told me about her vision of the farm as a society of animals, all
working together, free from hunger and the whip, each working according to his own capacity. This
is what Old Major’s dream had been. And here we were, unable to speak our minds for fear of fierce,
growling dogs. We knew better than to rebel, though. Nothing would be worse than having the
humans return. So we kept working and accepted Napoleon’s leadership so that we could keep
Animal Farm for the animals.
A few days after the four pigs were killed, some of us remembered that the Sixth Commandment had
said something about animals not killing other animals. Clover asked me to read the Commandment.
When I checked it on the barn wall, it said No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.” We
had all forgotten about that last part: “without cause.” Now that I look back on it, I’m not sure what
to think.
It was the same thing with the whiskey. The pigs drank some and got very sick. For a while we
thought Napoleon was going to die. But the next day he was better. After that, the pigs took all the
barley and learned how to make whiskey. I looked over the commandments and read the one about
whiskey. It said “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.” That wasn’t how I remembered it.
There was one strange thing that happened. One night we were all awakened by a loud noise. There
was Squealer on the ground at the end of the barn wall under the Seven Commandments. A lantern,
broken ladder, paintbrush, and pot of white paint were next to him. We couldn’t figure out what had
happened and Squealer never told us.
Yes, I voted for Napoleon in the election. What else could I do? No one else was running.
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Center for Law-Related Education.
WITNESS STATEMENT: NAPOLEON
Animal Farm is a remarkable place. My comrades and I have done something no animals have ever
done before: we run a stunningly successful farm based on the principles of Animalism. Animalism
came from the ideas of Old Major, a respected comrade on the farm. After Old Major’s death, I took
his rather sketchy ideas and fleshed them out into a fully realized plan for rebellion and revolution.
By following this plan, we animals were able to rebel against our enemy - mankind - and enjoy the
benefits of our own labor. We worked together as comrades to realize this dream.
The Seven Commandments of Animalism provided the framework for our revolution. After the
rebellion, I introduced these commandments to the other animals. At that time I let Snowball assist
me, so that we pigs could appear united against the humans. But I had my suspicions even then that
Snowball would be a traitor to our cause.
We pigs had taught ourselves to read and write, using books that the ignorant Jones children had
discarded. Reading was easy for me; pigs are the most intelligent animals, you know. I was able to
turn the highly intellectual concepts of Animalism into seven simple commandments that the other,
dumber animals would be able to follow. The Seven Commandments were:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2 Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed
.5 No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill another animal.
7. All animals are equal.
Of course, the commandments were just a framework for Animal Farm. Yes, I told the other animals
that these commandments were “unalterable”. But, you see, I didn’t alter them. I merely clarified
them over time. Some of the more stupid animals got confused over how to interpret the
commandments and many things happened over the years to change our circumstances. So I needed
to interpret the commandments at times to clear up the confusion. Everyone always agreed with my
clarifications. No one spoke up against them. I was their leader, after all.
The other, less intelligent animals often confused things. For example, some of them forgot how my
cunning leadership and astounding bravery during the Battle of the Cowshed enabled us to keep the
farm. They credited Snowball with all kinds of heroics, but he had just tricked them into believing
this.
The windmill is another good example. The windmill was my idea all along. However, if I spoke in
favor of the windmill, then the other animals would have thought I was on Snowball’s side. Nothing
could have been further from the truth. Snowball began preaching how the windmill would lead to
better inventions that would enable animals not to work. I knew this was dangerous speech since not
working went against the basic principles of Animalism. So I had to make the other animals on the
farm believe I was against Snowball’s ideas. It was for their own good. ‘While I felt a need existed
for the windmill, I did not support animals lounging around the farm like lazy sloths. Therefore, I
successfully made my animal comrades believe I was completely against the windmill in order to
prevent Snowball from gaining any more power than he already had. I even urinated on the building
plans. Eventually, Snowball had successfully manipulated all the animals on the farm, even the idiot
sheep, to vote for his plan to begin building the windmill. In fear that everything my comrades had
worked for was in jeopardy, I ordered my nine loyal students to attack Snowball. Snowball showed
his true colors, running like a coward from Animal Farm with his curly tail tucked between his legs.
Snowball’s damage was apparent. The animals felt they could question anything about Animal Farm
they found the least bit unfair. How exactly could I lead my comrades if they were constantly
questioning every move I made? So I felt it was in the best interest for the success of the farm to
cancel Sunday morning debates. Any major decisions to be made on Animal Farm would be decided
by me and my committee of pigs. That is why we get the leftover milk and apples: pigs have superior
brain power. If we failed to eat such foods that had been scientifically proven to contain substances
necessary to pigs’ well being, where would Animal Farm be? We knew what would happen if we
pigs failed in the difficult task of managing the complex needs of Animal Farm. No one wanted
Jones to return. Do not forget that all decisions we pigs made were in the best interest of our
comrades. Being the generous leader that I am, I did continue to allow Sunday morning assemblies to
take place. At those meetings, chores for the week were read to the animals and a rousing verse of
Beasts of England was sung.
After Snowball’s expulsion, construction of the windmill began. Costs began to accumulate. I could
not allow my comrades who were working so desperately hard on the windmill to go hungry. So I
entered into a business relationship with the agent, Mr. Whymper. Working with that human was a
necessary evil. In order to protect my comrades from the dangerous influences of mankind, I was the
only animal to have direct contact with Whymper. He acted as my representative to negotiate trade
agreements with neighboring farms. As the only human allowed on Animal Farm, he had to see and
report to the rest of the world how successful our farm was. Sometimes I would order grain bins to be
filled with sand and topped off with grain in order to make the farm look more prosperous.
Appearance is everything. And my plan worked! Whymper reported our great success to the other
humans,
Our first business transaction involved eggs. I ordered that all hens lay double the amount of eggs as
usual to help make our first agreement a success. Since the other animals on the farm were working
hard on the windmill, I felt ordering the hens to complete this task was only fair. All animals are
equal on Animal Farm; therefore, they needed to do their equal part However, some of the hens
complained. A few even flew into the rafters and refused to comply with my order. This blatant
disregard of my orders could have been potentially destructive to Animal Farm. But further
destruction took place that I could not have foreseen. Snowball destroyed the windmill during a
storm. Even more destructive, Snowball had conspired with several animals on the farm, including
some young pigs, to destroy everything my comrades had worked for. It became absolutely necessary
to purge the farm of those who were traitors to Animalism. As a result, my students killed the
saboteurs in order to maintain order on the farm. Because Snowball was an important figure during
the Revolution, I felt it necessary to outlaw the singing of Beasts of England at that time. The
Revolution was over. The song was no longer necessary. More importantly, I did not want my
comrades to ever think of Snowball again.
Being the gifted pig that I am, I needed a quiet place to do my thinking. I moved into Mr. .Jones’s
farm house for that purpose. I also needed my rest since making important decisions all day can be
quite taxing. Therefore it became necessary for me to sleep in a bed. This move proved quite
successful for Animal Farm. I found an extra pile of timber which could yield a large profit for the
farm. I used my cunning leadership skills to negotiate the best offer I could for the timber. Two
neighboring farmers, Pilkington and Frederick, were both vying for the timber. Therefore, I would
criticize Farmer Pilkington to Farmer Frederick, and vice versa. Both were promising me the world! I
decided, after much contemplation, to sell the timber to Farmer Frederick.
However, Farmer Frederick could not accept that a pig could be as successful a leader as I was. He
tried to weaken my power by giving me counterfeit bank notes instead of real money. Then, he led an
attack on Animal Farm, which became known as the Battle of the Windmill. The attacking humans
exploded the second windmill. During the battle, I suffered a catastrophic wound to my much-prized
corkscrew tail. Yet, my comrades defended the grounds and their esteemed leader to the bitter end.
Animals still controlled Animal Farm.
Because of the amount of thinking I was doing after the Battle of the Windmill, I felt it necessary to
wear a tattered bowler hat to prevent my comrades from seeing my brain working at the
extraordinary rate that it was. It was during that time that I had a brush with death. In the basement of
the farmhouse, I found a crate of whiskey. Because of the high price one can charge for the drink, I
felt it was my duty to determine if the whiskey was fit for sale. I began running in circles in the yard.
Later, the drink brought me to my deathbed. During my last minutes on Earth, I felt it necessary to
make the drinking of alcohol punishable by death in order to prevent my comrades from suffering the
same fate as I. But a miracle occurred and I made a speedy recovery. I felt it absolutely necessary to
learn all I could about the mysterious beverage, so I had Whymper find as many books about the
brewing and distilling of alcohol as he could. Knowledge is power; therefore, the more I knew, the
more chance I had at protecting my comrades from the same debilitating sickness.
Things continued to prosper on Animal Farm. Thirty-one pigs were born on the farm. Because of a
pig’s uncanny ability to learn at fast rates, I ordered the building of a schoolhouse for these new
additions to Animal Farm. Since pigs do a large amount of thinking, I ordered that all animals step
out of the way of a pig walking along a path in order to avoid any unnecessary collisions. I know
how much my comrades enjoy a good celebration, so I created “Spontaneous Demonstrations” which
could occur at any time on the farm. A procession was to be formed with pigs in the front and the rest
of the animals falling behind. As our musical interlude, animals were to chant “Long live Comrade
Napoleon!” To add some spice to our demonstrations, I allowed pigs to wear green ribbons around
their tails, the color symbolizing our revolution and struggles against mankind. I love a good
demonstration, and so do my comrades.
The farm was declared a Republic, and I was unanimously elected as President. No one else even ran
for the office because all the animals knew what a remarkable leader I am. I improved the life of my
comrades and have made our farm well respected to the outside world. I am a decorated war hero and
made numerous sacrifices of my body and mind for the well being of this farm. I upheld the
principles of Animalism and made sure that any animal that intentionally violated the
commandments we hold so dear would be permanently ousted from Animal Farm. More importantly,
I expelled Snowball - insidious enemy - from Animal Farm. I have done more for the inhabitants of
Animal Farm than any human, or Snowball, could ever have imagined. Animals are no longer slaves.
We are fellow citizens in a well-organized, well-governed democratic society.
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reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
WITNESS STATEMENT: SQUEALER
You cannot believe how difficult it is to govern this fine enterprise we comrades call Animal Farm.
Comrade Napoleon, Father of all Animals, Terror of Mankind, Protector of Sheep-fold, and
Ducklings’ Friend, has transformed his fellow comrades of Animal Farm from slaves to fully
functioning citizens in a democratic society. This metamorphosis has not been easy, my friends.
Animal Farm was the victim of many saboteurs, most notably the traitor, Snowball. But through the
sheer genius of Comrade Napoleon and the help of the other pigs, Animal Farm has become a model
society for all humans and animals in England.
My name is Squealer, right hand pig to Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon. I have been selected for this
honorable position due to my superior oratory skills. I know how to work the crowd through my
body movements and vocabulary. My first order of business was to settle a dispute over a missing
surplus of milk and apples. I simply dazzled the crowd with my explanation that the pigs need the
nutrients of milk and apples to maintain our health since we are the brainpower behind the success of
Animal Farm. The other animals bought my explanation without so much as a question. You see, that
is why Napoleon chose me; the animals are bewitched by my gifts as a speaker.
Before Napoleon became the elected leader of Animal Farm, the animals were vexed by a pig with
self-serving ideas and traitorous tendencies: Snowball. He thought he was equal to - or even better
than - or supreme leader, Napoleon. Blasphemy! Snowball tried to claim every activity done on
Animal Farm as his idea. It is true that Snowball came up with the original plan for the windmill. But
I was able to convince the other animals that the windmill was always Comrade Napoleon’s plan and
that following Snowball’s criminal ideas would have resulted in the destruction of Animal Farm.
Napoleon knew of my influence and often used me to deal with the controversial decisions he had to
make for the betterment of the farm. Snowball, on the other hoof, thought he could lord it over me,
requiring me to perform mundane tasks rather than recognizing my exceptional public speaking
abilities. For example, I had to hold a paint can for him while he painted the Seven Commandments
on the barn wall. I watched in pleasure when Napoleon’s dogs chased Snowball out of Animal Farm,
squealing like a piglet! What sweet revenge!
To enhance my influence with the pigs on the farm, Napoleon allowed me to sit to the right of him at
all Animal Farm assemblies rather than with the rest of the animal population. I continued to speak to
the animals about various decisions Napoleon made for the betterment of Animal Farm. For instance,
I explained to the animals the need for employing Mr. Whymper as Animal Farm’s business agent.
Some of the animals questioned this as a violation of the Seven Commandments. I simply explained
that no rule had been created that outlawed trade between animals and humans. Of course the animals
questioned this since Snowball made such an ordeal about the evil nature of humans. I’m sure the
issue had been debated at some point and some silly resolution may have been passed. But Napoleon
knew what we needed. If he said that trade with humans would help the farm, then I knew what I had
to do. I dazzled the other animals, using a plethora of vocabulary words I knew they would not
understand. I also informed them that their imaginations were taking over; no such law ever existed.
Once again, I successfully gained the animals’ support for Napoleon’s decision through my excellent
public speaking abilities.
With all the complicated matters we handled every day, it became necessary for we pigs to move into
more comfortable, quiet quarters. Therefore, Napoleon had our headquarters moved to the
farmhouse. As always, some stubborn animals questioned this move. I explained in my usual
eloquent fashion that Napoleon needed to conduct business with Mr. Whymper in a more dignified
place than a barn. Thanks to me, other animals immediately supported the move.
Things did not always go smoothly on Animal Farm. Some animals did not possess the true
revolutionary spirit needed to keep Animal Farm fully functioning. For example, the first agreement
made between Napoleon and Mr. Whymper was for the sale of eggs. I relayed the order to the hens,
stating they needed to produce double the amount of eggs. Some unreasonable hens decided to stage
an egg-laying strike. Later, when we had problems on the farm, such as the destruction of the first
windmill, Napoleon and I knew where to place the blame: Snowball. So I recounted the Battle of the
Cowshed. The animals remembered Snowball as a hero of the battle. I retold the story of the battle to
the animals in graphic detail. Some animals initially questioned my version - even Boxer. But
ultimately the animals realized that Snowball was not the hero he portrayed himself to be. It was
amazing how my eloquence could make them doubt their own memories!
Eventually, Comrade Napoleon had no choice but to put an end to the debates. Although the animals
appeared unhappy at first, and a few young pigs began to speak against the rule, they soon changed
their minds. I convinced them that Napoleon had agreed to take on the heavy burden of making
decisions on their behalf in order to guarantee that no wrong decisions would be made. ‘No one
wanted the farm to fail and Jones to return. As Boxer would always say, “Napoleon is always right.”
Napoleon also needed to put a stop to protests occurring on the farm. The traitors needed to be
purged from the farm before they could stir up any more trouble. As painful as it was to Comrade
Napoleon, he ordered his dogs to put an end to the animals who constantly questioned his authority.
Not only were animals such as the striking hens taken care of, but also volunteers stepped to the front
and admitted their association with Snowball. Once the conspirators were done away with, Napoleon
had me inform the animals that the song Beasts of England would no longer be sung on the farm. The
Revolution was over and a new day was beginning. Of course, the animals were surprised at first,
but, after my articulate explanation of the necessity for this action, they wholeheartedly agreed.
Times were sometimes hard and provisions low. To improve the morale on the farm, I would read to
the animals at Sunday morning meetings a list of figures showing that all their hard work was paying
off. I told them Animal Farm had made two hundred, three hundred, and five hundred percent
increases in production. These figures may have been somewhat exaggerated, but exact numbers
weren’t the most important issue. It was most important, after all, to keep morale up and I was an
expert at doing just that.
The humans could never accept that animals could run a successful farm. And once again, they
attacked our humble home. During the Battle of the Windmill, they used dynamite to explode the
second windmill, which was under construction. I felt a strong desire to protect Animal Farm from
any further losses; therefore, I stayed inside the house during the battle. Losing me and my oratory
skills could potentially cause Animal Farm to crumble. Thankfully, the battle was a success. Humans
sprinted from the farm and I skipped with glee to address my fellow comrades. I praised them for
their efforts. Losing the windmill was not important - that could be rebuilt. We animals still
controlled Animal Farm! A most splendid victory!
Not only am I a prolific speaker, but also I am a talented artist. I once painted a side profile of Our
Leader, Comrade Napoleon, on the barn wall. I was also called upon from time to time to “touch up”
the Seven Commandments, clarifying them according to Comrade Napoleon’s instructions. These
clarifications were necessary to prevent confusion among the other animals. None of them ever
disagreed with these clarifications - not after I eloquently explained each of Comrade Napoleon’s
brilliant decisions. One mention of the possibility of Jones’s return, and they would agree with
anything.
One time while I was practicing my art, I fell off a ladder in the barn. White paint splattered
everywhere. The animals watched in horror, as I lay sprawled on the ground with the paintbrush in
my hoof. Thankfully, I was not seriously injured, and Comrade Napoleon’s dogs were there to assist
me.
Animal Farm continued to prosper under Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon. He was unanimously
elected leader of Animal Farm. More importantly, the animals continued to prosper even when
rations had to be readjusted. These changes were necessary because a too-rigid equality in rations
would have been contradictory to the principles of Animalism. I reminded my comrades that not
being under the control of humans made their lives one hundred percent better.
As you can see, I am a most valuable asset to Animal Farm. Comrade Napoleon has expertly used
my gifts in public speaking. Because I know how to use language, great prosperity has occurred on
the farm. When other animals see my round body enter their presence, they stop in their tracks and
listen. I have colossal influence over Animal Farm because I am the giver of knowledge. Every
animal is informed of every decision made by Comrade Napoleon. Every decision has been made to
better the lives of the comrades living on Animal Farm. Therefore, to say that Comrade Napoleon has
violated the Seven Commandments of Animalism is blasphemy!
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reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
WITNESS STATEMENT: WHYMPER
My name is Mr. Whymper. I am a business agent in town, not far from Manor Farm - now
known as Animal Farm. I am trained in the law and use my legal knowledge and business skills
to assist the animals in negotiating agreements with neighboring farms. I receive a commission
on each agreement I arrange for Animal Farm. Yes, it has proved quite a lucrative business for
me. And it is very interesting working with the animals.
I work directly with Napoleon, a most unusual and capable fellow. I visit the farm every Monday
and meet with Napoleon to discuss business arrangements involving the farm. We initially met in
the harness room, but later we began meeting in the farmhouse. A number of the pigs were living
there at that time. I have little or no contact with the other animals on the farm, other than several
large dogs that often accompany Napoleon. I must say that those creatures make me rather
uncomfortable. They are quite large and fierce-looking. I avoid them as much as I can.
Animal Farm has been quite successful. I have to admit that I was amazed at the efficiency with
which the animals seemed to be running things. The grain bins always appeared to be full and
everything seemed to run smoothly. People from nearby farms and from town were always
curious about Animal Farm. I had to report to them that the animals appeared to be doing an
excellent job running the farm.
At times, I acquired materials or other goods that were needed on Animal Farm. For example, I
purchased several books on brewing and distilling, as requested by Napoleon. The pigs used
these to learn how to produce whiskey. I sampled their product before they sent it to market for
the first time and I was surprised by how quickly they had mastered this new skill.
With my help as an intermediary between Animal Farm and the neighboring farms, a number of
successful agreements were reached. For example, I negotiated an agreement for Animal Farm to
supply 400 eggs per week. I also negotiated the purchase of machinery to complete the farm’s
ill-fated windmill. My most complex negotiations involved the sale of timber from the farm.
Both Mr. Fredrick and Mr. Pilkington, neighboring farmers, were quite interested in purchasing
the timber. I was able to play them off each other to increase the sale price (and my commission,
of course). The timber was ultimately sold to Mr. Pilkington. Unfortunately, the deal was not
successful. Mr. Frederick, it seems, had given Napoleon counterfeit bank notes. I was completely
unaware of the deception. Similarly, I knew nothing about Mr. Frederick’s and the other men’s
plans to attack the farm and blow up the windmill.
It was not easy, dealing with Napoleon as well as those in the town and neighboring farms that
were opposed to the unusual experiment taking place on Animal Farm. I tried my best to just do
my job, earn my commission and remain neutral at all times.
These materials are copyrighted by the Ohio Mock Trial/Ohio Center for Law-Related Education, and may not be
reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
ANIMALS vs. NAPOLEON.
Scoring Sheet during the Trial
Judge’s Name__________________________
Date______________ Round________
OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY__________________________________
OUTSTANDING WITNESS_____________________________________
These materials are copyrighted by the Ohio Mock Trial/Ohio Center for Law-Related Education, and may not be
reproduced or disseminated to third parties without the written consent of the Ohio Mock Trial Program/Ohio
Center for Law-Related Education.
You will receive an individual grade and a group grade for the mock trial.
Mock Trial Rubrics
INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION RUBRIC
4
PRESENTATION
RESPONSES
3
2
1
Presentation shows a Presentation shows some Presentation shows little
great deal of preparation
preparation
preparation
Responses are effective Responses are logical and Response may be illogical or
and accurate.
somewhat accurate for the
inaccurate
situation
Presentation shows
almost no preparation
Unable to provide
responses
VOICE QUALITY Voice quality is excellent Voice quality is very good Voice quality is not strong
Difficult to understand
WRITTEN
Written assignment was Written assignment has a Written assignment has
Written assignment has
ASSIGNMENT
without errors in
few errors in grammar and some errors in grammar and
frequent errors in
grammar and
mechanics. Information is mechanics. Information is grammar and mechanics.
(COUNTS TWICE) mechanics. Information
Information has few facts.
factual.
mostly factual.(
is factual and useful.
TOTAL POINTS
PERCENTAGE GRADE
/ 20
_______________
GROUP EVALUATION RUBRIC
4
3
2
1
ATTITUDE /
ENTHUSIASM
All members are
enthusiastic.
Most members are
enthusiastic
Some members are
enthusiastic
Group shows a lack of
enthusiasm
ON-TASK
BEHAVIOR
Behavior is on task the
majority of the trial.
Behavior is on task
most of the trial.
Behavior is on task
infrequently.
Behavior is off task during
most of the trial.
Memorized little of roles.
Do not know characters
well.
Memorized none of roles.
Do not know characters
Group is somewhat
prepared.
Group is unprepared.
ROLES /
PERFORMANCE
Memorized roles. Superior Memorized some of
performance.
roles. Performance
somewhat effective
PREPAREDNESS
Group shows evidence of
practice.
Most members are
prepared.
(X2)
TOTAL POINTS
PERCENTAGE GRADE
/ 20
________________
INDIVIDUAL NAME __________________________ GROUP NAME ___________________________
PROCEDURE TO INTRODUCE AN EXHIBIT
1) Request permission to approach opposing counsel (try to get his /her name) with the exhibit.
2) Show exhibit (clean and unmarked!) to the opposing counsel.
3) State: “Let the record reflect that I am showing Mr./Ms A (if don’t get name – then say
“prosecution/plaintiff/defense counsel”) the X (state what the exhibit is – e.g. “Dr. Monarch’s
autopsy report”), which has previously been marked as prosecution/plaintiff/defense exhibit #.”
4) Request permission to approach the witness. (Wait to get permission!)
5) Hand exhibit to the witness.
6) Ask the witness, “Do you recognize this document?”
7) Ask the witness, “What is it?”
8) Ask the witness, “Is this a fair and accurate copy of the original?”
9) (If a report written by the witness, ask, “And is this your signature at the bottom?”
10) Say to the judge: “At this time I would like to offer prosecution/defense exhibit #___ into evidence.”
11) Proceed to question witness about exhibit.
12) At END of examination, state, “Your honor, I have no further questions at this time. Permission to
approach the bench and publish plaintiff/prosecution/defense exhibit x.”
If Already in Evidence
State: “I am now referring to what has previously been admitted as prosecution/defense exhibit #.”
If a Demonstrative
—
You do NOT need to enter these into evidence – they are merely for DEMONSTRATIVE purposes,
i.e. to help someone explain something, and make their testimony more clear. Their testimony stands as
evidence, not the demonstrative.
—
Try to have the witness mention that they brought a chart/map/etc with them to court to help
explain what they are saying.
—
Ask the judge, “Permission for the witness to use this chart/map/etc to aid in his/her testimony?”
—
IF given permission, ask, “Permission for the witness to stand and make use of the
demonstrative?”
—
Try to set up demonstrative PRIOR to the examination, so this doesn’t eat up your time. Just set
up the easel and place the demonstrative faced backwards on the easel, so it isn’t showing.
—
If opposing counsel used a demonstrative that you will not be using, take it down after they are
done with their examination.
Reminders about Entering Evidence
—
When requesting permission to do anything, you are asking the judge for permission, and
remember to wait for it!
—
Remember which side you are on: plaintiff/prosecution or defense.
—
Try to find out what your opposing counsel’s name is.
—
Use numbers, not letters to identify exhibits.
—
Keep track of ALL exhibits and demonstratives entered or used on BOTH sides – write them
down!!!
—
Remember to ENTER the exhibit INTO EVIDENCE before you begin asking questions about it!
Page
WARRANT OF ARREST
CASE NUMBER: _______________
STATE OF INDIANA
§
IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT
VS.
§
CITY OF __________________
§
__________COUNTY, INDIANA
_____________________
The State of Indiana, to any peace officer of the State of Indiana:
You are hereby commanded to arrest ___________________________, Defendant, and immediately bring
(him)(her) before the court to be dealt with according to law. Said Defendant has been accused of the (felony)
(misdemeanor) offense: ___________________________________________________________ which is against
the laws of the State of Indiana (and against the city ordinances of said city).
Herein fail not, but due service and return of this warrant of arrest, showing how you executed the same.
Signed this _____ day of _______________, 19___.
______________________________________________________________________
(Magistrate)(Judge), Municipal Court, City of _________________________________
_________________________________________________________ County, Indiana
Bond set at: $_______________
..............................................................................................
OFFICER'S RETURN
Came to hand the _____ day of _______________, 19___, at __________ o'clock ___.M. and executed on the
_____ day of _______________, 19___, at __________ o'clock ___.M. by
.
_______________________________________
Peace Officer
WARRANTS\ARREST.DOC
Direct and Cross Examination Questions
Attorneys may collaborate with their witnesses to develop the direct examination questions.
DIRECT EXAMINATION
Witness Role:_________________________________ Lawyer Role: _____________________
The Witness You Will Question: ___________________________________________________
To prepare direct examination questions of your witness:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Determine your theory of the case. Your theory consists of a simple, logical story explaining your
version of “what really happened.” It must be consistent with the evidence that you have and with the
jury’s common-sense notions about how things occur. What is your theory of the case?
Carefully read the statement made by the witness you will be questioning.
What is the main point you want the jury to understand after hearing this witness testify?
How does that point support your theory of the case?
Read any other witness statements that discuss interactions with or observations of your witness to
check for any inconsistencies in stories.
List all inconsistencies and potential weaknesses in your witness’s story/testimony.
Write a list of questions designed to address the weaknesses and inconsistencies in your witness’s
testimony in a light most favorable to your case. Think of ways your witness can explain these
weaknesses to the jurors in a truthful way that will generate empathy for the witness. Next to each
question, write the answer you expect the witness to give, with a reference to the page of the trial
packet where you found that information.
Write a list of questions you will use to introduce your witness to the jury and provide background on
the witness. Ask for only one small piece of information in each question. (NOT “What is your name,
age, date of birth, address, and dog’s name?”) Next to each question, write the answer you expect
the witness to give, with a reference to the page of the trial packet where you found that information.
Write questions designed to establish your witness’s relation to the case. (For example, “Do you
remember the night of December 7? Where were you that night? Do you recognize anyone in the
courtroom? How do you know her?”) Next to each question, write the answer you expect the witness
to give, with a reference to the page of the trial packet where you found that information.
Write a list of questions that will elicit from your witness a description of the “scene.” The questions
should evoke only one small piece of information at a time. Write questions that provide a vivid
description of what the witness observed about the place, the people, and the atmosphere of the
day/night that is the focus of the testimony. The jury should be able to visualize the scene. Next to
each question, write the answer you expect the witness to give, with a reference to the page of the
trial packet where you found that information.
Write a list of questions about the actions your witness observed. Focus on open-ended questions,
beginning with the words who, what, when, where, why, and how. Start at the beginning. Avoid
jumping around in time and instead design questions that get the witness to tell the story
chronologically, one step at a time. Next to each question, write the answer you expect the witness to
give, with a reference to the page of the trial packet where you found that information.
What is the information you want the jury to hear last, in order to make a lasting impression? Write a
question designed to drive home the main thing you want the jury to learn from this witness.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
Witness Role:____________________________________ Lawyer Role: __________________________
The Witness You Will Question: ___________________________________________________________
To prepare cross-examination questions of the other side’s witness:
1. Determine your theory of the case. Your theory consists of a simple, logical story explaining your
version of “what really happened.” It must be consistent with the evidence that you have and with the
jury’s common-sense notions about how things occur. What is your theory of the case?
2. Carefully read the statement made by the witness you will be questioning.
3. What is the main point you want the jury to understand after hearing this witness testify?
4. How does that point support your theory of the case?
5. Read any other witness statements that discuss interactions with or observations of your witness to
check for any inconsistencies in stories.
6. Describe what you know about the witness you will be cross-examining.
7. How do you think the jury will want you to treat this witness?
8. List all inconsistencies and potential weaknesses in this witness’s story/testimony.
9. List the two best ways you think you can attack this witness (perception, credibility, memory, bias,
prejudice, interest, inconsistencies). Be specific about what aspect of perception, etc.
10. Why do you think those are your best methods of attack? What in the witness statement makes you
think these are the areas you should focus on in cross-examination?
11. Write a list of LEADING questions (suggesting the answer and seeking only “yes” or “no” answers)
focused on the first way you intend to attack the witness. Next to each question, write the answer you
expect the witness to give, with a reference to the page of the trial packet where you found that
information.
12. Write a list of LEADING questions (suggesting the answer and seeking only “yes” or “no” answers)
focused on the second way you intend to attack the witness. Next to each question, write the answer
you expect the witness to give, with a reference to the page of the trial packet where you found that
information.
13. What is the information you want the jury to hear last, in order to make a lasting impression? Write a
leading question designed to drive home the main thing you want the jury to learn from this witness.
Adapted from lesson plans prepared by a law student as part of the Street Law class, 2000, at the University of
Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington, and available at www.law.washington.edu/streetlaw.
OPENING/CLOSING STATEMENTS
Opening Statement
1.
Greeting: "Your Honor"
2.
Tell the judge your name and whom you represent.
3.
State why you are here and what you're proving.
4.
Explain how you will prove your point.
Your witnesses: "Today you'll hear from..."
"His/her testimony will show that..."
5.
What you want the judge to do:
Prosecution: "Members of the Jury, I am confident that you'll find (defendant’s name) to be guilty of
the charges.”
OR
Defense: "Members of the Jury, I am confident that you'll find (defendant’s name) to be not guilty of
the charges.”
* Don't promise anything that you can't keep!
* Tell the story, but don't argue. "The evidence will show that..."
Closing Statement
* Here is your last shot at telling the judge your story!
* Now it's time to argue!!
1. Address the judge: "Your honor, you've heard all of the testimony..."
2. Attack the other side (one at a time):
-What did the other side want to do but didn't?
-Think of the things that the opposition said it would do in the opening statement.
-Say exactly what the opposition’s witnesses failed to show, either in direct or cross- examination.
-Maybe the witnesses did not make a strong case.
-Maybe the witnesses didn't have a good answer during cross-examination.
-So what?
-Some points SOUND good, but they are really NOT that important.
**All together, it looks something like this:
Prosecution: "Members of the Jury, you've heard defense's lawyer try to tell you that….
OR
Defense: "Members of the Jury, you've heard the prosecution try to tell you that….
In the opening statement, they said they'd…
Instead, you heard their own witnesses say…
On cross-examination, it came out that….”
3. What made your side the best?
-What did you promise in the opening statement?
-What did you witnesses have to say?
-How did your case make your civilization the best?
4. Tell the Jury what you want from them:
Prosecution: "Members of the Jury, I ask that you find (defendant’s name) to be guilty."
OR
Defense: "Members of the Jury, I ask that you find (defendant’s name) to be not guilty."
“Do you promise that
the testimony you are
about to give will
faithfully and truthfully
be consistent with the
facts of the story and
the rules of the mock
trial?”
JURY OBSERVATION SHEET AND CHECKLIST
The jury will determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based upon the facts of the case, the
credibility of the witness’ testimony, and the law which applies to the case. Use this sheet of paper to follow the
proceedings of the trial. As each side presents its case, record the legal arguments made by the attorneys, facts
presented by the witnesses, and your impressions of the believability of the witness.
Prosecution
Prosecution’s Opening Statement: What did the prosecution say it would try to prove in this case?
Facts learned from witness testimony
Witness #1 ____________________________________________________________________________
Witness #2 ____________________________________________________________________________
Witness #3 ____________________________________________________________________________
To Believe or Not to Believe
Circle the response that most closely corresponds with what you think of each witness.
SA=Strongly Agree
A=Agree
D=Disagree
SD=Strongly Disagree
Witness #1 _________________ was a believable witness.
Witness #2 _________________ was a believable witness.
Witness #3 _________________ was a believable witness.
SA
SA
SA
A
A
A
DSD
DSD
DSD
Prosecution’s Closing Arguments: How did the prosecution use the facts from the witnesses to prove the case?
Defense
Defense’s Opening Statement: What did the defense say it would try to prove in this case?
Facts learned from witness testimony
Witness #1 ____________________________________________________________________________
Witness #2 ____________________________________________________________________________
Witness #3 ____________________________________________________________________________
To Believe or Not to Believe
Circle the response that most closely corresponds with what you think of each witness.
SA=Strongly Agree
A=Agree
D=Disagree
SD=Strongly Disagree
Witness #1 _________________ was a believable witness.
Witness #2 _________________ was a believable witness.
Witness #3 _________________ was a believable witness.
SA
SA
SA
A
A
A
DSD
DSD
DSD
Defendant’s Closing Arguments: How did the prosecution use the facts from the witnesses to prove the case?
Jury Charge
Members of the Jury, you are about to decide the verdict in
the case of The Animals versus Napoleon.
Napoleon. You must
determine what the true facts are and apply them to the law.
law.
You must all decide unanimously whether the defendant,
Napoleon, should be liable for the claims made by the
plaintiff.
CHARGE - As to Count I, if you believe from the evidence:
evidence:
that Napoleon did violate the civil rights of the nonnon-pig
animals of Manor Farm, also known
known as Animal Farm, wherein
whatever goes on two legs is an enemy.
enemy.
CHARGE - As to Count II, if you believe from the evidence:
that Napoleon did violate the civil rights of the nonnon-pig
animals of Manor Farm, also known as Animal Farm,
Farm, wherein
all animals are equal.
equal.
DECISION - After deciding these matters, you are instructed
to fill out the Verdict Form and return it to me. Fail not to
perform your duties faithfully, truly and with out prejudice.
You may now retire to deliberate.
FOREMAN – Now that we have heard all the testimony and seen all the evidence, we need to
reach a verdict. The evidence and testimony can be discussed, evidence can be examined, and
votes can be taken at any point or as often as needed. In the case of this trial, the jury must reach
a unanimous decision for the verdict.
CHARGE I
Based on the case presented, the question we must decide is “Should the defendant be held for violation of
the plaintiffs’ civil rights according to the definition of Charge I wherein whatever goes on two legs is an
enemy?”
________YES
_____________NO
First ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Second ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Third ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Fourth ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 _____
CHARGE II
Based on the case presented, the question we must decide is “Should the defendant be held for violation of
the plaintiffs’ civil rights according to the definition of Charge II wherein all animals are equal?”
________YES
_____________NO
First ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Second ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Third ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 ______
Fourth ballot
Juror 1 _______
Juror 2 _______
Juror 3 _______
Juror 4 _______
Juror 5 _______
Juror 6 _______
Juror 7 _______
Juror 8 _______
Juror 9 _______
Juror 10 ______
Juror 11 ______
Juror 12 _____
Your Honor, We the jury find the defendant Napoleon the Pig to be guilty/not guilty of Charge I.
In addition we find the defendant to be be guilty/not guilty of Charge II
Animal Farm Summary
The story is set on the Manor Farm, owned and operated by Mr. Jones. One night the prize boar, Old Major,
tells all the other farm animals he has realized that the misery of their daily lives is all due to the tyranny of human
beings, and that if they work to overthrow the humans their lives will become easy and comfortable.
After Old Major dies, the pigs (led by the two boars Snowball and Napoleon) start teaching his ideas (which
they develop into a system of thought called Animalism) to the other animals. A few months later, Mr. Jones gets
drunk and forgets to feed the animals, who become so hungry that they rebel and drive the human beings off the
farm. They rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and write the Seven Commandments of Animalism up on the wall of the
barn.
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed
5. No animal shall drink alcohol
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal
Jones comes back with a group of armed men and tries to recapture the farm, but the animals, led by
Snowball, defeat the men.
Snowball and Napoleon argue constantly over plans for the future of the farm, never able to agree especially over a windmill which Snowball wants to build to provide the farm with electric power, and which Napoleon
ridicules. Napoleon calls in nine dogs that he has specially trained and they chase Snowball off the farm. Squealer,
the very persuasive pig who relays most of Napoleon's decisions to the other animals, tells them that Snowball was a
traitor in league with Jones and that the windmill was really Napoleon's idea anyway and will go ahead.
The animals work hard - work on the windmill is slow and they rely heavily on Boxer the cart-horse, who is
very strong and hard-working. Napoleon begins trading with nearby farms, and the pigs move into the farmhouse and
sleep in the beds there - even though sleeping in beds like humans was forbidden by the original principles of
Animalism.
The winter is difficult - the animals have little food. Napoleon and Squealer blame Snowball for everything
that goes wrong on the farm, from bad crops to blocked drains. Then Napoleon's dogs attack four pigs, who then
confess to plotting with Snowball and start a series of confessions of various 'crimes' from other animals - all of those
who confess are slaughtered by the dogs, leaving the survivors shaken and miserable.
The windmill is finally completed and to get money to buy the machinery for it, Napoleon decides to sell a
pile of timber - after wavering between the two neighboring farmers Pilkington and Frederick, he sells it to Frederick
only to discover that he has been paid with worthless forged banknotes. Frederick and his men then come on to the
farm and blow the windmill to pieces with explosives, although the animals manage to drive them off the farm again
after a bloody battle. A few days later the pigs find a case of whisky in the farmhouse cellar and get drunk.
Boxer is injured while working on repairs to the windmill, and Benjamin notices that the truck Napoleon calls
to send Boxer to the vet, has 'Horse Slaughterer' painted on the side. Benjamin, the donkey, is the oldest and worsttempered animal on the farm. He doesn't seem to care who is in charge of the farm since he says it makes no
difference in his life. He is very cynical; he seldom talks and never laughs. He is also very intelligent and insightful.
He is devoted to Boxer in his own way, and the two of them usually spend their Sundays together grazing side by
side. After Boxer has 'died in hospital' under care of the vet, the pigs mysteriously find money to buy another case of
whiskey.
After many years, life is just as hard as it ever was. The pigs start walking on two legs. None of the old
Commandments are left on the barn wall. A group of human farmers come to see the farm, they quarrel with the pigs
over a game of cards - and the animals discover they can no longer tell which is human and which is pig.