8th Grade Mock Trial- Learning Objectives
The Mock Trial elective class is offered as part of The Wesley School’s yearly participation in the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition.
Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition
Mock Trial is a statewide academic program in which junior and senior high schools compete with each other in a simulated criminal courtroom trial. Los Angeles middle schools compete countywide while senior high schools extend their competition to state and national levels. Over 2000 students in Los Angeles County and 8000 students statewide are expected to compete in the program this year. During the mock trial, students portray each of the principals in a cast of courtroom characters including lawyers, witnesses, bailiff, and clerk. A courtroom artist and courtroom journalist contest is also included in the competition.
Mock Trial students from all participating schools study the same hypothetical case brief and witness statements, conduct legal research, learn courtroom procedure, and prepare both the prosecution and defense sides of the case. Our Wesley students then compete against the opposing counsel of other middle schools on alternate weeks during the competition. The mock trials take place downtown at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse on scheduled weekday evenings at 4:00 p.m. This year, because of Covid -19 restrictions, the competition will take place virtually. The competitions are officially presided over by a judge and volunteer attorneys who act as jurors and score the competition according to specific criteria and guidelines.
Class Requirements:
Mock Trial Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for a double class period and includes after school and weekend rehearsals as part of the overall class participation grade.
Assignments:
Assigned work supports the effort to compete effectively in the competition and includes:
*Learning the elements of a crime
*Demonstrating understanding of trial procedure
*Case analysis
*Developing prosecution and defense case theories
*Analysis of witness testimony
*Developing a line of questioning for direct and cross examination
*Learning rules of evidence
*Demonstrating the ability to respond to and argue objections
*Learning to structure, write, and deliver an effective opening statement
*Learning to structure, write, and deliver an effective closing argument
Grading:
In-class participation: 50%
Assignments: 30%
Tests: 20%