The mock trial program is intended to provide a simulation of a real courtroom experience. During the trial, students take on the roles of lawyers, court clerks, witnesses, and jury members. Resource materials are provided to teachers to help them support their students in preparing for their mock trial experience. It contains “teacher only” information as well as student handouts.

Currently the mock trials are available for:

• Junior High School Classes
• Senior High School Classes
• Elementary School Classes (Grade 5-6)
• In class puppet shows to Pre-School and K to Grade 3

Currently there are Senior High mock trials dealing with:

• assault
• second degree murder
• possession of narcotics

Junior High mock trials alternatives include:

• shoplifting
• mischief (property damage)

What is Involved in a Mock Trial, and What is the Time Commitment for the Students?

Prior to the mock trial Student Legal Services volunteers will come to the school to present on issues of: courtroom etiquette, the difference between open-ended and leading questions, rules of evidence and the roles of each participant in the courtroom. The material covered in this presentation greatly depends on the level of preparedness of the students. If students have already begun preparing for their roles it provides SLS volunteers with an opportunity to address more specific questions, often dealing with strategy and counter-points. This first session generally lasts 1-2 hours.

Whether it is a Senior or Junior High mock trial, students acting as lawyers will prepare opening and closing arguments, questions for both their own witnesses and the opposing sides witnesses, and a “Speak to Sentence” where appropriate. Each student who accepts a role as a witness (including the accused) is provided with a summary of his or her character’s recollection of the events. This is merely a summary, so each student is given an opportunity to provide creative answers - which can sometimes yield a surprising outcomes.

The mock trial takes place in the Faculty of Law moot courtroom. This generally takes 1 ½ to 2 hours. Student Legal Services volunteers will act as the presiding judges, giving context appropriate guidance and feedback throughout the mock trial. With smaller classes, the student judges will render a verdict in the case. For larger classes, the decision will be rendered by members of the school class. At the completion of arguments, the students will adjourn to the jury room, deliberate the facts of the case and render a verdict based on a majority vote.

For further information on these activities please contact the Legal Education/Reform Co-ordinator at 492-2227 or 492-2226, or email legaled@ualberta.ca.