Introduction

In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, rival gangs compete for territory, domination, and bragging rights in 1960's Oklahoma. Little do they know that bullying by one will lead to the death of another. However, neither group is immune from the stereotypes of their social class, pressure to conform, and troubled family relationships. All of these things draw the members of the elite Socs and the poverty-embattled Greasers together into their respective peer groups where they find acceptance and protection.

What Happens?

It's 2:30 a.m. and a boy lies on the sidewalk, face-down, unmoving. Another sits nearby whimpering, a crimson-coated knife quivering in hand. His companion is freezing in clothes drenched from the water in the fountain. As he takes in his surroundings, the fourteen-year old struggles to regain his senses, an effect of the near-drowning he experienced moments before. He knows something bad has occurred here. What now? Where do they go and what do they do? Who do they turn to for help? Will it be you?

TASK

YOU have just been summoned to court! You have been called as a witness for Ponyboy and Johnny's trial where you will be asked about the people involved and events leading up to Johnny's stabbing of Bob and their subsequent escape to the church. Students will form groups according to their roles, conduct research, and present a mock trial as a group. The class and your teacher will serve as jury and judge, respectively.

The roles that will be played in the mock trial include: Prosecuting Lawyers, Defense Lawyers, Jury members, Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, Darry, Sodapop, Cherry, Cop, parent of saved kid, Steve, Marcia, Two-Bit, and Randy.

The Roles

Below what is required for your written assignments.

Prosecution Lawyers

-- What will you charge Johnny and Ponyboy with?

-- You must have evidence (text from the book) to support your charges

-- You must have an Opening statement

-- You must have questions for all the witnesses

-- Be prepared to re-question the witnesses after the Defense

--You must have a Closing statement

Defense Lawyers

-- What is Johnny and Ponyboy charged with?

-- You must have evidence (text from the book) to support your defense

-- You must have an Opening statement

-- You must have questions for all the witnesses

-- Be prepared to re-question the witnesses after the Prosecution re-questions the witnesses

--You must have a Closing statement

Witnesses

-- You must write a bio about yourself

-- You must write a timeline about yourself

-- You must write about your relationship with each witness (use text from book as evidence)

Jury

-- You must write a news story about the killing, the escape, the rumble

-- You must put it all together in a newspaper format

Trial Procedures

1. Bailiff announces judge.
2. Opening Statement from Prosecuting Lawyers
3. Opening Statement from Defense Lawyers
4. Prosecution Witnesses called to stand. Defense Lawyers may cross-examine.
5. Defense Witnesses called to stand. Prosecutors may cross-examine.
6. Closing arguments from Defense Lawyers.
7. Closing arguments from Prosecution Lawyers.
8. Jury deliberation.

Resources