Mock Trial
To better understand the trial process, we'll be conducting a mock trial of the case below. All of you will
have a role in that trial. This will be a group project, and you will be assigned to one of three groups Plaintiffs, Defendants, or Jury.
This area includes the instructions for the mock trial and provides a workspace in which your group can
collaborate. Your group can share documents, create discussions, and work together. Other groups
cannot view your group's work.
You will share the final documents from your group in the Class Discussion for the
Mock Trial. Only one group member needs to share the final version of your group's
documents in the discussion; please make sure all group members' names are clearly
labeled on any submission or post.
To view your group, you have three (3) options:
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•
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On your Dashboard, you’ll see an icon for Groups on the left. Under Groups, you’ll see any
groups to which you are assigned (in any course).
On the course Homepage for MDST 3300, you will see a link for your group (Plaintiffs,
Defendants, or Jury) on the right hand side.
Within your course, click on People. You’ll see a list of all groups and be able to select any
group in which you are enrolled.
When you select your group, it will open your group's homepage. Anyone in your group may create a
Discussion so that you can communicate and chat with all members. You can also share documents via
Office 365 (all Webster students receive an Office 365 account).
Facts of the Case:
Role & Deliverables for the Plaintiffs
The plaintiff in this case is XX. He's suing YY for ZZ reason.
Opening Statement: The plaintiff's lawyers explain the reason for the lawsuit, what the plaintiff thinks
the evidence will show, and the verdict the plaintiff hopes the jury will reach. (50-150 words)
Exposition, Grievance, and Legal Arguments: The plaintiff's lawyers explain the case in more detail.
Who's involved? What happened? When? Where? Why? What laws did the defendant break? What
damages did the plaintiff suffer? (about 500 words)
Witness Testimony: At least one direct, first-person account from the plaintiff or from a witness
favorable to the plaintiff. This should be written in the form of a Q&A with lawyers for the plaintiff
asking the questions and the witness answering. You can take some creative liberties with the exact
wording but it should convey generally the same information the witness/es presented at trial. (about
250 words)
Cross-Examination: At least one question for one of the defendant's witnesses to undermine their
credibility and bolster your case.
Closing Statement: The plaintiffs lawyers summarize evidence favorable to the plaintiff and asking the
jury to find in their favor.
Role & Deliverables for the Defendants
Opening Statement: The defendant's lawyers explain what they think the evidence will show, and the
verdict the defendant hopes the jury will reach. (50-150 words)
Exposition, Grievance, and Legal Arguments: Explain your defense. What's your version of the story?
Why are the plaintiff's charges unfounded? What laws are in your favor? (about 500 words)
Witness Testimony: At least one direct, first-person account from the defendant or from a witness
favorable to the defendant. This should be written in the form of a Q&A with lawyers for the plaintiff
asking the questions and the witness answering. You can take some creative liberties with the exact
wording but it should convey generally the same information the witness/es presented at trial. (about
250 words)
Cross-Examination: At least one question for one of the plaintiff's witnesses to undermine their
credibility and bolster your case.
Closing Statement: The plaintiffs lawyers summarize evidence favorable to the plaintiff and asking the
jury to find in their favor.
Role & Deliverables for the Jury
The defendant here is AA. He's arguing BB.
Your job as jurors is to read the arguments and witness testimonies from both parties and decide the
case according the law. You'll get an explanation of the law as it relates to this case from the judge
(that's me) after closing statements. You'll then deliberate (that just means talk about the case) with the
other jurors and reach a verdict. Since your job is less labor-intensive before the trial, you'll have a little
more work during and after the trial writing up a reflection paper on your experience.
Reflection Paper: Write a reflection on the mock trial experience. What was the case about? Who were
the parties? What arguments or evidence did you find most compelling and why? What arguments or
evidence did you find least compelling and why? What questions would you have asked of the plaintiffs
or defendants if you had the opportunity? What legal and/or ethical issues did you weigh in your
decision-making process? What did you learn from the exercise? (750 -1,000 words)
Guidelines for Writing about the Case
Plain-spoken, conversational English
Complete sentences with correct spelling and grammar
No slurs or profanity
Trial schedule & Due Dates
Monday of Week 6, 9am US central time:
The plaintiffs make their opening statement and present their case including witness testimony.
Tuesday, 9am US central time:
The defense cross-examines the plaintiffs’ witnesses. If the questions are posted on time, plaintiffs must
respond no later than midnight US central time. If the questions are late, plaintiffs do not have to
respond.
Wednesday, 9am US central time:
The defendants will make their opening statement and present their case including witness testimony.
Thursday, 9am US central time:
The plaintiffs cross-examine defense witnesses. If the questions are posted on time, the defendants
must respond no later than midnight US central time. If the questions are late, the defendants do not
have to respond.
Friday, 9am US central time:
Closing statements for plaintiff and defendant. After closing statements are posted, the judge (that’s
me) will instruct the jury on the law as it relates to this case and the jury can begin their deliberation.
Sunday, 11:59pm US central time:
Jury's verdict.
Friday of Week 7, 11:59pm US central time:
Jury's reflection papers due.
A Note about Team Work
Obviously, everybody's not going to do the exact same amount of work, but your contributions should
at least be reasonably comparable to those of your teammates. Nobody wants to work with a deadbeat.
If your teammates tell me you're really falling down on the job, I may significantly lower your grade.