Putting on Mock Trials. Bar : School Partnership Programs Series / Richard L. Roe, Ed.

Mock trials help students gain a basic understanding of the legal mechanism through which society chooses to resolve many of its disputes. While learning the details of trial process and procedures, students also develop a number of critical skills that are universally necessary: (1) critical analysis of problems; (2) strategic thinking; (3) questioning skills; (4) listening skills; (5) skills in oral presentation and extemporaneous argument; and (6) skills in preparing and organizing material. Of particular interest is the high level of cooperation among students needed for successful mock trials. Participation in mock trials helps students to understand better the roles that the various actors play in the justice system and also the difficult conflicts those people must resolve daily in performing their jobs. Mock trials also provide a natural opportunity to incorporate field experiences and community resource people into the school curriculum. This handbook explains the types of mock trials and how to prepare for and conduct mock trials in the classroom. A lesson plan is provided for introducing dispute resolution and the trial process. Simplified rules of evidence are given as well as helpful hints for mock trial participants. A sample judging form is included with guidelines for selecting judges for the mock trial. Scenarios of several mock trials suitable for use with students in grades 5 through 12 are also included. Four sources of further information are noted. (JB)

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Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.