Mini Mock Trial

Grade
K-6
6-9
9-12
Lesson Duration

Mini-Mock Trials are shorter versions of mock trial, taking an average of  2-3 hours. They are helpful for teaching about trial procedure as well as teaching the particular content of the trial. For example, one mini mock trial teaches driving responsibility. Through mini mock trials, students develop an understanding of the people in the courtroom and their functions, the importance of rules in insuring fairness of  the proceeding, and the importance of witnesses and jurors in determining the facts of the case. Mini mock trials are appropriate for students grades 5 and up.

Instructions for conducting a mini-mock trial along with students handouts are included in the Mini-Mock Trial Manual Instructions. Specific trials include the facts of the case and witnesses statements.

Mini Mock Trial Manual Instructions 2014

 

Source

Learning Law and Democracy Foundation

7 Comments

  1. John J Weil
    Posted January 29, 2016 at 5:42 am | Permalink

    We used these mini mock trial packets as part of our mock trial preparation. I teach 7th grade civics and we conducted a mock trial in each class. Our jury used these mini-mock trial packets for practice in how to be a jury, how to make a decision based on the facts, and how to reach consensus. Extremely helpful in being able to have the jury members actually practice being a jury before the “real” trial.

  2. Kelly Erickson
    Posted January 3, 2018 at 3:59 pm | Permalink

    Will you be updating your mock trial of Joe Jackson v. Andrews Middle School? I have two smaller classes and think this case would really get them engaged in the jury/court process.
    Thanks.

  3. Christofferson
    Posted March 8, 2018 at 10:11 am | Permalink

    When will the Case “Joe Jackson v. Andrews Middle School” Be available?

  4. john joe
    Posted April 1, 2019 at 4:23 pm | Permalink

    i love these mock trial they r dope\

    Signed Batman

  5. Campbell
    Posted December 18, 2020 at 1:04 pm | Permalink

    My fifth graders LOVE these mock trials. They reinforce the standards we teach about Due Process and the Bill of Rights. I found a picture of a random person and put it next to each witness to try and help the students visualize their statements. They just LOVE doing these. They now role play as the witnesses, lawyer, judge, etc. Thanks for providing.

  6. Daniel Crouch
    Posted May 16, 2022 at 9:04 am | Permalink

    Is the “Student Handout: Mock Trial Procedure” available for download from somewhere?

  7. Jason Stern
    Posted June 7, 2023 at 8:32 am | Permalink

    Hello-

    My name is Jason Stern and I am a teacher at Saucon Valley Middle School. I am looking for mock trial professional development opportunities. If you have any sessions coming up, or perhaps some previously aired webinars, I would be very interested to learn more about them.

    Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

    take care,

    Jason Stern

Comments

Types of especially helpful comments: How you modified this for your class, How you would improve this lesson.

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