Mrs. Martling
AP English Literature & Composition
Madame Bovary
Mock Trial Rubric
The following rubric offers instruction on the criteria for my grading of your performance in
preparing and performing at the trial. All roles will be assigned a grade within a scale of 1
(poor), 2 (below average), 3 (good/average), 4 (strong/effective), and 5 (excellent). Grades
are based on teacher observation, written work, and student feedback.
Opening/Closing Statements:
1. Student comprehends the relevant charges based on the text and has a clear idea of
the burden of proof.
2. Student provides an accurate synopsis of what is to be presented in the opening
statement.
3. Student provides an accurate synopsis in a closing argument limited to what was
presented at trial and indicates he/she listened and understood opposing arguments.
4. Statements are clear and consistent throughout and based soundly on the text.
5. Statements are organized into thoughtful and methodical presentations.
6. Written statements are almost entirely without mechanical errors.
7. Delivery of opening or closing is clear and concise, with minimal reliance on notes.
8. Student speaks clearly and loudly enough to be heard throughout the room and uses
appropriate rate and intonation.
9. Student directs comments to the appropriate audience, including judge or witness,
with good eye contact and appropriate use of body and facial expression.
10. Student exhibits appropriate courtroom decorum and respect for all parties in the
trial, including opposing counsel and witnesses.
11. Appropriate time limits are followed.
Attorney Direct/Cross/Redirect Examinations
1. Student comprehends the relevant charges based on the text and has a clear idea of
the burden of proof.
2. Student develops questions for direct which indicate a clear understanding of the
case and how it should be proved.
3. Questions are properly formed and delivered, e.g., no leading questions on direct and
questions are limited in scope to the prior examination.
4. Questions are organized into thoughtful and methodical examinations.
5. Cross and redirect examinations recognize and refute the points made in opposing
examinations.
6. Written examinations are almost entirely without mechanical errors.
7. Student knows when to object, and on what grounds, and is able to explain
articulately why objections are made or should be overruled.
8. Delivery of questions is clear and concise, with minimal reliance on notes.
9. Student speaks clearly and loudly enough to be heard throughout the room and uses
appropriate rate and intonation.
10. Student directs comments to the appropriate audience, including judge or witness,
with good eye contact and appropriate use of body and facial expression.
11. Student exhibits appropriate courtroom decorum and respect for all parties in the
trial, including opposing counsel and witnesses.
12. A judicial amount of time is spent on the witness given overall time constraints.
Witnesses
1. Students worked closely and effectively with teams to prepare witness examinations.
2. Students are familiar with their witness statements, the charges and text, and any
additional information provided by the attorneys relevant to the case at hand.
3. Students understand that they must respond accurately, within the information in
their witness statement on direct, to questions asked by mock trial attorneys.
4. Student portrays the witness in a convincing manner.
5. Student can perform the role of witness without use of notes.
6. Student speaks clearly and loudly enough to be heard throughout the room and uses
appropriate rate and intonation.
7. Student directs comments to the appropriate audience, including judge or attorney,
with good eye contact and appropriate use of body and facial expression.
8. Student exhibits appropriate courtroom decorum and respect for all parties in the
trial, including opposing counsel and witnesses.
9. Witness does not delay proceedings with immaterial responses or trying to recollect
appropriate testimony.
Team Leaders
1. Leader is an effective moderator of the team (as determined by teacher observations
in class and student feedback following the trial).
2. Leader alerts teacher in a timely manner to any difficulties in the team’s operation
and is reasonably capable of remedying any deficiencies during the trial process,
e.g., back-up plan for absent attorney.
3. Tasks are completed by the team in a timely manner.
4. Trial brief contains an accurate synthesis of the points the team intends to raise
through its opening and closing statements as well as through the examination of
each witness. Further, the brief is almost entirely without mechanical errors.
Court Clerk
1. Student works closely and effectively with teams to facilitate the sharing of
electronic information.
2. Student swears in witnesses and keeps time during the trial in an effective manner.