Overview

Cornerstone Task Description

The American Revolution

American Studies

Mock Trial 

Unit Essential Question:  How did the events of the Revolutionary War era lay the foundations for American democracy?

The Case of Great Britain vs. the American Colonists

In Colonial America, settlers protested against the new taxes and reforms of the British Empire.  We are going to have a mock trial to address the question:  Were the actions of the American colonists legal and/or justifiable?  The prosecution (Britain) will argue that their actions were NOT justifiable; the defense (Colonists) will argue that their actions were justifiable.

You will be assigned a particular role in the trial.  The following are the roles to be assigned:

• Defense Attorneys (4 students)

• Prosecutors (4 students)

• Witnesses for the Defense (5-8 students)

• Witnesses for the Prosecution (5-8 students)

• Court TV Reporters (6 students)
  
  

Your task has two parts.  First, you will present a well-researched argument or testimony to support your side.  This will be in the form of a 1-page document that outlines your role in the mock trial itself.  Then, at the conclusion of the trial, you will decide your verdict and write a 1-page juror journal that outlines your opinion of the case.

The Witnesses for Prosecution

The witness will play a crucial role in proving the prosecution’s case.

• Students will pick one of the following roles as a witness

○King George III

○Governor Thomas Gage of the Massachusetts Bay Colony

○William Franklin – Benjamin Franklin’s son and well-known loyalist

○American loyalist

○Hessian mercenary

• After the Prosecution chooses its key witnesses, students must research their witness’ particular views regarding the colonists’ actions.

• Students will use their textbooks, teacher approved websites, and library resources (LibGuide) to conduct their research.  Be sure to consult both primary and secondary sources.

• Witnesses must work with Prosecution team to link testimony with topics.

• Witnesses must be prepared!  The Defense can cross examine you to argue your statements.

The Witnesses for Defense

The witness will play a crucial role in proving the defense’s case.

• Students will pick one of the following roles as a witness:

○American merchant (businessperson)

○Samuel Adams

○John Hancock

○Thomas Paine

○George Washington

○Marquis de Lafayette

• After the Defense chooses its key witnesses, students must research their witness’ particular views regarding the colonists’ actions.

• Students will use their textbooks, teacher approved websites, and library resources (LibGuide) to conduct their research.  Be sure to consult both primary and secondary sources.

• Witnesses must work with Defense team to link testimony with topics.

• Witnesses must be prepared!  The Prosecution can cross examine you to argue your statements.

Court TV Crew Members

The Court TV Crew is vital for providing coverage, insight, and reactions to the court case.

• The Court TV Crew will each be responsible to deliver a report on their assigned essential question.

• “Point-Counterpoint”  report with key legal experts arguing why each side should win.

• The Court TV Crew can interview witnesses and attorney’s for either side to give perspective on case.

• Students will use their textbooks, teacher approved websites, and library resources (LibGuide) to conduct their research.  Be sure to consult both primary and secondary sources.

• Students can use media technology of their choosing in their report.