Hamlet is on trial for murder!  You will each play an important role in this trial - defense lawyers, prosecutors, witnesses, jury members, photographers, court reporters and journalists.  

• Is Hamlet truly insane? 

• Is Hamlet guilty of murder or not guilty by reason of insanity?

THE DECISION IS YOURS!!!

The Insanity Trial of Hamlet

At the conclusion of Hamlet, you will construct a trial to determine whether Hamlet is guilty for killing Polonious or if he is innocent by reason of insanity. Each person will have a contributing role in the trial.

Jury: Listen to the arguments of the prosecution and defense and then write up a ruling based on your own research and what happens at the trial  

Prosecution:  

Prove that Hamlet is guilty of killing Polonius and he was not acting crazy.

-Prepare a brief to be turned in

                        -Opening Statement

                        -Closing Statement

                        -Questions for the witness

You need to research the Defense as well.

Defense:

Prove that Hamlet is innocent of killing Polonius by reason of insanity

                         -Prepare a brief to be turned in

                        -Opening Statement

                        -Closing Statement

                        -Questions for the witness

Witnesses:

Need to play the part of each character.  You must know their motives, actions, etc…

Witnesses: Horatio, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Claudius, Gertrude, Hamlet and Laertes 

Court Reporters:

You will report on what is happening during the trial via Twitter.

Photographer & Set Designers:

You will take pictures of what is happening during the trial, including all trial preparation work as well as design the set.

Journalists:

You will construct a newspaper article about the events of the trial and the final verdict of the trial. 

Last updated October 19, 2023 by Ms. Fauver for Dr. Mustaccio's classes at Lenape High School.