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"You'll never win big if you only minimize your losses".
Activity 1. Students will expand their knowledge of legal terms.
Objective: To expand knowledge of legal terms, develop speaking skills and critical thinking.
Task 1. Answer the questions:
• What do you think is the most important skill for a lawyer to master in order to succeed in court?
• How important is clear and persuasive communication when presenting a case?
• What are some potential pitfalls to avoid when speaking in a courtroom setting?
• Do you think that you are confident enough to stand up and present a case?
document_5314546425596501084.mp4Task 2. Watch the video and answer the questions:
• What are your initial impressions of Mike Ross's performance in this scene?
• Can you identify any specific mistakes that Mike Ross makes in his opening statements?
• What could Mike Ross have done differently to present himself more effectively?
• How does Mike Ross's behavior in this scene demonstrate the importance of understanding court procedure?
Task 3. Label the diagram.
Vocabulary list:
Judge (Судья) - The official who presides over a court and ensures that the trial is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
Defendant (Ответчик) - The individual accused of a crime or being sued in a civil proceeding.
Court (Суд) - The place where legal cases are heard and decided by a judge, and possibly a jury.
Reporter (Репортер) - A person who records court proceedings, often verbatim, to create an official record of what was said during the trial.
Bailiff (Судебный пристав) - An officer of the court responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge as needed.
Prosecutor (Обвинитель) - A lawyer who represents the government in a criminal case and is responsible for presenting evidence against the defendant.
Witness (Свидетель) - A person who provides testimony in a court case, typically regarding what they saw or heard related to the case.
Defense (Защита) - The legal strategy or team that represents the defendant and seeks to protect their rights and interests.
Attorney (Адвокат) - A licensed professional who represents clients in legal matters, including court proceedings.
Jury (Жюри) - A group of people sworn to deliver a verdict in a trial based on the evidence presented.
Observer (Наблюдатель) - A person who watches court proceedings, often for educational purposes, without actively participating in them.
Bar (Адвокатура/Стойка) - 1) the legal profession as a whole; 2) it also refer to the physical barrier that separates the courtroom from the public area.
Well/Podium (Подиум) - The area in the courtroom where attorneys stand to present their cases and engage with the judge and jury.
Activity 2. The Verdict is Yours: Mock Trial Simulation
Objectives:
Enhance understanding of court procedures: By actively participating in a simulated trial, students will solidify their knowledge of the stages of a trial, the roles of different participants, and the rules of evidence.
Improve presentation skills: Students will develop their ability to speak clearly, concisely, and persuasively in a courtroom setting.
Develop legal English vocabulary: Students will expand their knowledge of legal terms and phrases.
Promote critical thinking and analytical skills: Students will analyze the facts of the case, develop arguments, and evaluate the evidence presented.
Foster collaboration and teamwork: Students will work together to create a realistic and engaging mock trial experience.
Task 1. Students will participate in a mock trial based on the provided script. They will be assigned specific roles (bailiff, judge, district attorney, clerk, public defender, car owner, reporter, officer, defendant, expert, witnesses) and will perform their roles according to the instructions and guidelines provided in the script. The goal is to practice courtroom procedures, improve presentation skills, and experience the dynamics of a trial firsthand. The activity will culminate in a final verdict delivered by the student acting as the judge. Emphasis will be placed on using clear and persuasive legal English, adhering to proper courtroom etiquette, and effectively presenting evidence and arguments.
Mock Trial Script 1.pdfStages of the Task (Online Adaptation)
1. Role Assignment & Script Distribution (Pre-Class)
1. Role Assignment & Script Distribution (Pre-Class)
The teacher assigns roles to students well in advance of the session (e.g., a week prior).
The teacher distributes the mock trial script and guide digitally through the online course platform.
Provide a role-description document detailing responsibilities of each character.
2. Role Preparation (Individual - Homework)
2. Role Preparation (Individual - Homework)
Students carefully read the script and guide, focusing on their assigned role.
They research any unfamiliar legal terms or concepts within the script.
They prepare their opening statement, direct examination questions, cross-examination questions, closing argument, or judge's instructions (depending on their role).
They are encouraged to practice their lines and delivery.
3. Online Courtroom Setup (During Class)
3. Online Courtroom Setup (During Class)
The teacher facilitates the setup of a virtual courtroom using the video conferencing platform (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, etc.).
Consider using virtual backgrounds to create a more immersive courtroom atmosphere (e.g., a courtroom image as the background).
Assign specific students to be "bailiffs" to help manage the virtual courtroom (muting microphones, managing the chat).
4. Mock Trial Performance (During Class)
4. Mock Trial Performance (During Class)
Students perform the mock trial according to the script.
The teacher acts as a facilitator, ensuring the proceedings follow a logical order and offering guidance as needed.
Encourage students to stay in character and use appropriate courtroom etiquette (addressing the judge respectfully, making objections properly).
Adhere to time limits for each stage (opening statements, witness examinations, closing arguments) to maintain momentum.
During witness questioning, encourage improv as well, but not too far from script.
5. Deliberation & Verdict (During Class)
5. Deliberation & Verdict (During Class)
After the closing arguments, the student acting as the judge excuses themselves (virtually) to a separate breakout room or mutes their microphone and camera.
They review the evidence and arguments presented.
They return to the main session and deliver their verdict (guilty or not guilty) along with a brief explanation of their reasoning.
6. Debrief & Discussion (Post-Performance)
6. Debrief & Discussion (Post-Performance)
The teacher leads a debriefing discussion to reflect on the experience.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the trial process.
Discuss what they learned about court procedures, presentation skills, and the legal system.
Focus on areas where students excelled and areas for improvement.
Assessment Criteria:
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