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Background

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is an inoperative nuclear power plant in California found within San Diego County. The station employed over 2000 people in the area when fully functional, provided about 20% of the power to large portions of Southern California, and is now a prominent landmark because of its twin spherical containment buildings that help contain any radiation that would escape into the outside. The Plant operated from 1968 to 2013, having to finally shut down due to the failure of a recently replaced steam generator and concerns for safety until the equipment at the plant could be properly looked over and fixed.

Recently there have been talks underway to fix and reopen the plant, a process that could provide much of Southern California with much needed electricity while prices have been steadily climbing since the plant’s original shutdown. Many however think the plant should stay closed due to the safety concerns of the 8 million people that live within 50 miles of SONGS.

The Assignment

California Edison is being charged by the people to keep SONGS closed due to the dangers of nuclear power plants. Your group will choose a specific role in a mock trial to convince the people if SONGS should reopen or if it is simply too dangerous. The 7 roles are as follows:

Plaintiff - The People’s Committee against Nuclear Power (Focus is on all the reasons for SONGS to remain closed)
Defense - California Edison (Focus is on all the reasons for SONGS to reopen)
Expert Testimony for the Plaintiff- Friends of the Earth International (Focus is on the dangers of Nuclear Power)
Expert Testimony for the Plaintiff- Renewable Energy Commission (Focus is on the alternatives to Nuclear Power)
Expert Testimony for the Defense- World Nuclear Organization (Focus is on safety and health benefits of Nuclear Power)
Expert Testimony for the Defense- San Clemente Chamber of Commerce (Focus is on financial benefits of Nuclear Power)
Jury (Focus is indeterminate, needs to decide on the "winner" based on the arguments heard)

Based on your group's role in the case you will need to do specific things to help figure out whether or not SONGS should be reopened.

The Proceedings

I.Pre-Trial

a. PowerPoint Loading and Finalizing

b. Jury’s PowerPoint

II.Opening Statements

a. Plaintiff’s Counsel

b. Defense Counsel

III.Plaintiff’s Case

a. Expert Testimony from the Friends of the Earth International

b. Cross-Examination by Defense

c. (Optional) Redirect examination by Plaintiff

d. Expert Testimony from the Renewable Energy Commission

e. Cross-Examination by Defense

f. (Optional) Redirect examination by Plaintiff

IV.Defense’s Case

a. Expert Testimony from the World Nuclear Organization

b. Cross-Examination by Plaintiff

c. (Optional) Redirect examination by Defense

d. Expert Testimony from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce

e. Cross-Examination by Plaintiff

f. (Optional) Redirect examination by Defense

V.Closing Arguments

a. Plaintiff’s Counsel

b. Defense Counsel

VI.Verdict

a. Jury Discusses and Prepares Verdict

b. Jury Presents Verdict

VII.Final Discussion and Peer Review