HOW TO PREPARE A MOCK TRIAL

WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP, THEN GO TO THE WEB SITE WRITE DOWN WHAT’s

THE MOST IMPORTANCE PART OF THE TRIAL AND TELL WHY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaA_URRKBlg

SELF STARTER:

THE OPENING STATEMENT SHOULD TELL THE STORY OF THE CASE.

(ACQUAINT THE JUDGE AND THE JURY TO THE CASE)

YOU NEED OUTLINE WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO PROVE THROUGH YOUR WITNESS TESTIMONY AND ADMISSION OF EVIDENCE.

OPENING STATEMENT:

1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR COLLEAGEUS AND THE FIRM YOU WORK FOR.

2. STATE A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE FACTS OF THE CASE

3. Mention “Burden of Proof” (The amount of evidence

needed to prove your case) Beyond a reasonable doubt.

4. Applicable Law

5. Provide a clear and concise overview of the witness and physical evidence that you will present

The purpose of direct examination is to allow the witness to narrate the facts in support of the case. You try to show your witness at their best.

Direct Examination

1.Your ONLY function is to ask questions! Avoid phrasing questions in a way that might violate

this rule.

2. Keep it simple!Ask: who, what, where, when,

why and how questions. Don’t try to come to a conclusion. Avoid redundant, monotonous questions.

3. Speak loud and clear so Judge, Jury and witness can hear you.

Cross Examination

The Cross Examiner seeks to discredit, clarify, or cast doubt upon the testimony of opposing witnesses. Inconsistency in stories, bias, and other damaging facts may be pointed out to the judge through cross-examination.

1. Do Not ask, who, what, where, when, why or how questions. Ask only questions that may be answered “YES” or “NO”.

2. Avoid Hostility toward the witness. When you receive a unfavorable answer, don’t try to over do it. Drop it until the closing statement.

3. Impeachment: If testimony is given which you feel contradicts the witness affidavit, wait until cross-examination, then confront the witness with the affidavit and bring out any inconsistencies with testimony given

Speak slowly and loud

OJ closing arguments

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?annotation_id=annotation_758383&p=3C3290976C7F570A&feature=iv

Closing Statement

Statements should be arguments but may not include

discussion of evidence NOT introduced during the trial.

1. Review the evidence presented. 2. Point out the testimonies that support your

case. 3. Indicate how the evidence has satisfied the

elements of the charge or claim. 4. You may use all exhibits which have been

admitted into evidence. 5. Point out bias, credibility, self- interest or

prejudice of witnesses. 6. Avoid weak words like “We believe”, “We

think” ect.

Plaintiff will ask for the verdict of GUILTY.

Defendant will ask for the verdict of NOT GUILTY