Newton vs. Leibniz Mock Trial Script:
The following is a rough outline of the way the proceedings will unfold: Dialogue
will certainly vary, but this guide should give the reader a good idea of what will
happen.
Introduction: (read by Mr. Wirth)
“Good morning, and welcome to our Calculus Trial. Before we begin, let me give you a
little background on the mathematics of what we call ‘calculus.’ Calculus is a method of
calculation, specifically one of involving highly systematic methods of treating problems
by a special system of algebraic notations. The use of calculus is widespread in the
business world today. Historically, two men have been given credit for “inventing”
calculus. These two men are Sir Isaac Newton, born in England in 1643, and Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibniz, a German mathematician born in 1646.”
“We are now going to go back to the early 1700’s.... The International Council of
Mathematics has just recently honored Sir Isaac Newton as the Godfather of Calculus.
Angered by this decision, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz has decided to sue Newton for this
title, taking his claim for this prestigious honor to a court of appeals.”
“So these are the participants” (actors come out as they are called):
“The Plaintiff: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (played by Ben Dotzenrod). He believes he
should have been named the Godfather of Calculus and he’s taking his case to court.”
“The Defendant: Sir Isaac Newton (played by Neil Dotzenrod). He believes he did
nothing wrong, and wants to keep his title as The Godfather of Calculus.”
“Representing Leibniz in court today will be District Attorney, Andy Draeger and his
team of Julie Boyer and Megan Staroba. Representing Newton will be defense lawyer,
Theresa Foertsch and her assistant Julia Stark. Also, helping us today is Bailiff Jason
Hoots.
Presiding over today’s proceedings will be the honorable, Jamie Wirth. After arguments
have been heard from both sides, a jury will decide if Sir Isaac Newton gets to keep the
title of the Godfather of Calculus, or if the title needs to be given to Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz.
Bailiff: “All rise for the Honorable Jamie Wirth.”
Judge: “Please be seated. Today is Tuesday, March 6th , 1704. Docket #36-9a,
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz vs. Sir Isaac Newton.”
“Sir Isaac Newton, will you please rise. You have been brought here today on the
charge of wrongfully accepting the Title of the Godfather of Calculus. How do you
plead?”
Newton: “Not guilty, your Honor.”
Judge: “In that case, let’s begin. Bailiff, please call in the jury.”
Judge: “Mr. Draeger, would you like to proceed with your opening statement?”
Andy makes opening statement
Judge: “Ms. Foertsch, your turn.”
Theresa makes opening statement
Judge: “Mr. Draeger, please call your first witness.”
Andy calls a witness
Bailiff: “Will you please place your left hand on the Calculus Book and
raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
Witness: “I do.”
Judge: “Will you please state your full name and occupation for the court
members.”
Witness introduces himself. Andy examines witness. Theresa has
a chance to cross-examine. Andy has the final chance to finish
with the witness.
Judge: “Mr. Draeger, do you have any more witnesses?”
(Same procedure as above until all witnesses have been called.)
Draeger: “The prosecution rests, your honor.”
Judge: “Ms. Foertsch, please call your first witness.”
Theresa calls a witness and examines. Andy has a chance to crossexamine. Theresa has the final chance to finish with the witness.
Judge: “Ms. Foertsch, do you have any more witnesses?”
(Same procedure as above until all witnesses have been called.)
Foertsch: “The defense rests, your honor.”
Judge: “Mr. Draeger, do you wish to make a closing argument?”
Andy makes closing argument.
Judge: “Ms. Foertsch, do you wish to make a closing argument?”
Theresa makes closing argument.
Judge:
“Arguments in this case are finished. Members of the jury, please
retire to the jury room. You are not to return until you have
reached a verdict.”
Judge:
“Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict?”
Head Juror: “We have your honor.” (as he hands the Judge a piece of paper.)
Judge:
“Sir Isaac Newton, please rise. On the charge of wrongfully
accepting the title of the Godfather of Calculus, the jury finds you
___________.
If Guilty:
“You are hereby ordered to relinquish your title as the Godfather
of Calculus to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. You are also sentenced
to 9000 hours of community service, where you will serve as a
tutor for underprivileged kindergarten math students.”
“Bailiff, take him away.” (Bailiff cuffs Newton and hauls him out)
“Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: Congratulations, you are the new
Godfather of Calculus.”
“This court is adjourned.” Bang!
If Not Guilty: “You are hereby sentenced to time already served. You will retain
the title of the Godfather of Calculus and you are free to go.”
“Gottfreid Wilhelm Leibniz: You have wrongfully accused a high
ranking mathematician of a serious crime. You are hereby
sentenced to 9000 hours of community service, where you will
serve as a tutor for underprivileged kindergarten math students.”
“Bailiff, take him away.” (Bailiff cuffs Leibniz and hauls him out)
“This court is adjourned.” Bang!
Post – Trial interviews: An interviewer (Julia) will interview the winner first
(with camera man present) and then will interview the loser
second.