A Tell Tale TrialUsing Short Stories and

Novels to Create Mock Trials

2019

Learning Goal

We will be able to create a mock trial based on a piece of literature in order to help our

students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

Why a mock trial?

Why a mock trial?

How well do your students choose the best arguments and ideas to support their points in

their writing? Think about the ideas they use, not just their ability to cite the source.

Why a mock trial?

• Strengthens reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills

• Provides experience with a variety of texts• Reading practice with a purpose• Real-world experience• Offers opportunities for cross-curricular

unitsIt’s Fun!!!

Step 1: Courtroom Procedures

http://www.classbrain.com/artteensm/uploads/humpty.pdf

Step 2: Select a text

Select a fictional text with a crime in it, solved or unsolved.

Assignment # 1: With a partner(s), brainstorm possible short stories or novels

Step 3: close reading of the text

Assignment #2: Read and annotate “A Tell Tale Heart.” This is the written confession of the accused.

Guiding Task #1: The narrator of this story is insane. He had a mental infirmity. As a result of this condition, he did not understand what he was doing or the consequences of his actions. Find the evidence!

Guiding Task #2: The narrator of this story is not insane. He commits his crime with complete knowledge of the immorality of his actions. Find the evidence!

Step 4: write opening statements

Assignment #3: With your partner, write an opening statement.

Step 5: Create Legal teams

Create teams of

2-4.

Teams vote on the best

opening statements.

Share statements

with all students on

the same side .

Teams vote on the best statement.

Select team leaders.

Burden of Proof

Step 6: Assign Roles and Prepare for trial

Actors• Create witness statements• Create characters (costumes, mannerisms, etc.)

Attorneys

• Write questions (direct and cross)• Help actors with witness statements• Coach actors on questioning

Teachers• Help students frame their stories• Help students determine pertinent evidence

Step 7: Conduct the Trial

Step 8: Writing Closing statements

•Optional•Provide time prior to deliberation.•Allows for review.