November 13, 2014

To learn a bit about how a trial works, today we will read through the case at http://lawrelatededucation.org/images/stories/phocadownload/mock-trials/Elementary_Mock_Trial-State_v_Gold-E-Locks.pdf

You could pick up a copy from me.
PDF:  Elementary_Mock_Trial-State_v_Gold-E-Locks.pdf

This is NOT the case we will be preparing, but is a prepared script of a "fun" case.  Read through it, watching for the 

 *  Opening statements by both attorneys: What sorts of things do they say to start building their cases? 

*  Swearing in of witnesses:  In mock trial the bailiff swears in witnesses, and they raise their hands, not their paws. : )  

*  Direct examination:  How are questions asked during a direct examination different from questions asked during a cross examination?  

     See https://sites.google.com/site/coachingamocktrialteam/direct-examination-1

     and https://sites.google.com/site/coachingamocktrialteam/cross-examination-1

*  Cross Examination:  How are questions asked during a direct examination different from questions asked during a cross examination?  

*  Objections:  What sorts of objections do the attorneys make during this trial? 

*  Closing Argument:  No closing arguments are given here,  but if you would like to be an attorney on our case, write a closing argument for either the defense or the prosecution on this case. 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Lesson about Opening Statements 

  
If you did not come to Mock Trial today, read through the information about Opening Statements, and watch the video linked at the top of this post:  Opening Statement

Create a file folder for your Mock Trial Materials.

Announcing for November 6, 2014

Sadly, we had to cancel this since our visitor had a family emergency.

      On Thursday, November 6 during Cave Time, Mock Trial will welcome a special guest -- a deputy clerk from the court here in American Fork.  She will tell us about what goes on in our own court house.  What sorts of courts and cases do we have?   If you're interested,you can come even if you're not planning to be part of the Mock Trial team. If you hope to be part of the team, plan to be there. 
     See you on November 6 in room 219.  

Thursday, October 9, 2014

What is Mock Trial?
Please sign the roll.

• Schedule
• 
  
• Applications and Teacher Recommendations

• Teams of six for learning and practice  -- 3 attorneys, 3 witnesses
• 
  

You can relax.

Let's plan on bigger wins next year!

http://lawrelatededucation.org/images/docs/QUARTER-FINAL_SCHEDULE.pdf

We Won!

Once more we won by points 

and won based on the merits of the case. 

Congratulations to our fantastic 

attorneys, witnesses, and bailiff!

We Won!

Congratulations to our winning team!
Playing defense yesterday at the Sandy Justice Court, we won both the case and the performance points.

For Parents

For the Parents of Mock Trial Team Members

We will compete on February 18 at 1:30 at the Sandy Justice Court at 210 W Sego Lily Dr, Sandy, UT 84070. 

and February 27 at 9:30 also at the Sandy Justice Court.

Tuesday, February 18

Students will leave on the bus for Sandy at about noon.
We will be back at the school by 4:30.  We are hoping to allow time to have lunch or a snack together to celebrate after the trial.  

You are invited to join us at the competition.

Please be in your seats in the courtroom before 1:30. 

Please turn cell phones completely off.

Please do not bring small children.  We will be in a working courthouse and need to be very careful about not disturbing either our mock trial or any other court proceedings that day.  

You may take pictures before and after the trial -- before the judges come in or after the judges have left or have left the bench -- NOT during the trial.

To videotape the trial we will need permission from the other team.  If you would be willing to videotape for us, please contact Ms. Dorsey. 

Important!: During the trial, including any breaks, team members may communicate only with other team members who have roles in that day's trial.  They may not communicate with parents, teachers, other adults, or other students.

Students participating in the trial will ride the bus to the courthouse.  If you would like to take your student with you after the trial, please let Ms. Dorsey know.

Thank you for supporting your student in this activity!  Please encourage and help him or her to be prepared for our trial days and to dress "professionally."

Main points from witnesses

Which evidence for which attorney?

Brief discussion in Cavetime:

Shane Perez -- trying to find out what was going on
trying to keep her safe
playing like her old self

Megan -- Mia

Jordan Smith
everything set out -- trying to make safe
didn't know
reasonable not to be familiar


Chris Helu
promise --
She knew --

other coach
Mia knew

Prep for Trial

Bailiff, stop time for objections? 

Introducing Physical Evidence

Here is our wikki for this year.

http://cavemocktrial2014.pbworks.com/

Practice Meet

We will be meeting with the A.F. High School Team to practice on Saturday, February 15, probably in my classroom.  I do not have a definite time yet.

We will play defense.

Our first competition will be February 18, and the other on February 27.

Defense  2/18 1:30 Sandy           This is a B-Day.
against American Prep. B

Prosecution  2/27 9:30 Sandy     This is an A-Day.
against Lehi

No Ms. Dorsey Tuesday After School

I apologize.  I had said I'd be available on Tuesday after school, but had forgotten a prior commitment.  Plan on coming Wednesday during cave time,  (Wednesday after school if you're available),  Thursday during cave time, and Thursday after school.

2014 Case

Our case is a civil case.

The plaintiff was a minor child (under 17)  when she sustained a serious concussion during a college showcase soccer tournament on Friday, December 17, 2012.

The lawsuit argues that the coach and director of her soccer club were negligent in returning her to play too soon after an earlier concussion and are, therefore, liable for the injuries which she sustained.

Witnesses: 

Plaintiff:

Casey Larsen, parent of the injured player, Mia Larsen.

Dr. Alex Beckstead, concussion expert (qualify him as an expert witness!)

Harper Durant, North Canyon High School soccer coach

Defense:

Shane Perez, Strikers Soccer Club Coach/ co-Defendant

Jordan Smith, Strikers Soccer Club Director/ co-Defendant

Chris Helu, classmate of Mia Larsen

Handbook 79-87.pdf 
    Fact Summaries
    Stipulations  (things that are already agreed upon)
    Witnesses
    Evidence (12 pieces to choose from)
    Applicable Law

Complaint for Negligence.pdf

   This is what the Plaintiff is claiming.

Defense Answer to Plaintiff Complaint.pdf

 

Go to our Wikki

cavemocktrial2014.pbworks.com

Source for Handbook

http://lawrelatededucation.org/images/stories/Mock_Trials/2013MockTrialFullManual.pdf

The site for our sponsors is http://lawrelatededucation.org/programs/mock-trials

Wednesday Meeting During Cavetime Changed

We seventh grade teachers have been directed to cancel all enrichment and intervention activities for cave time tomorrow-- January 15.  All seventh graders are to attend an assembly about social media and Internet safety.  I will be available if any eighth or ninth graders wish to come to Mock Trial.  Otherwise, I will be attending the assembly with the seventh graders.  

We will hold our regular Mock Trial Meeting on Thursday, January 16,  during Cave Time.   We will also meet after school on Thursday.  Ms. Dorsey will be picking up the case next Wednesday.

Group Pictures for the Yearbook

Time Change!  
For Mock Trial group pictures for the yearbook will be taken on January 14 at 2:05 pm (during A4). Please come down a little ahead of that or when called on the intercom to the new auditorium..

Schedule for our Competitions

Defense  2/18 1:30 Sandy           This is a B-Day.
against American Prep. B


Prosecution  2/27 9:30 Sandy     This is an A-Day.
against Lehi