Jury

Jury Assignments Before the Trial

Educators - In the weeks leading up to the trial, it is important that the jury stays in the dark about the events that took place at Harpers Ferry. Speak with the jury about the importance of not discussing the court case with their friends and if possible, have the jury work outside or in a separate room during class time.

Given time restraints, you can have the jury complete one or both of the following projects before the trial date.

1. Court Room Procedures - Have the jury create a 10 minute presentation explaining how a court room operates. Include job descriptions of each role (lawyer, judge, witness, etc.) Each jury member must speak in the oral presentation. The jury can challenge themselves by creating an assessment for the class after their presentation is over. I have included a wonderful resource from iCivics that teaches the roles and procedures of court.

2. Group Research Project - I assign the jury a research project about social movements in America and connect it with our Catholic traditions and social teaching. I recommend giving the students agency over what topic they choose to research and create a website for so they are interested and motivated to work. Possible research topics - climate change, systemic racism, laborers' rights, etc. I have included the project guidelines I use for my class's assignment, as well as a few resources I ask the students to utilize if it pertains to their topic.

Jury Assignment During Trial