Criminal Law Mock Trials: Class ONE
In this 4-week social studies course, Middle School students will learn the elements of crime, the role of prosecution & defence, the criminal trial process, and apply everything by playing roles in our online mock trials.
Sean Foster Collins, BA, BEd.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(342)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students should review notes and ideas discussed week-to-week and they will need to read the cases carefully, prepare their cases, questions & answers, and be ready to perform their mock trial roles during class time.Assessment
Students are informally assessed on their level of preparation and performance during the mock trials.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This is the perfect class for learners who want a quick introduction to the study of Criminal Law and then to practice what they learn in discussions, case analyses, and mock trials. The first two classes will focus on the fundamental elements of law, crime and how criminal acts are prosecuted in a court of law. Throughout, students will discuss these concepts in action with sample cases for them to prosecute or defend. During the second two classes, students will take on the roles of prosecutor, defence attorney, witnesses, or jury members in a pair of long form mock trials. Below is a rough breakdown of our four classes Week 1: Principles of Criminal Law -- Actus Reus & Mens Rea - "The Crime Equation" -- Prosecution & Defence roles -- Crime classifications -- Sample cases to apply Week 2: Rights and Roles in the Courtroom -- Rights under arrest -- Roles within the Courtroom: Prosecutor, Defence, Judge, Jury, Clerks, Witnesses, etc. -- Types of Objections -- Mock Trial Cases / Roles Assigned Week 3: Mock Trial - Case ONE: Theft under $5000 -- Following rules of court proceedings, students will "perform" their assigned roles in their first case. -- Discussion on how to improve / clarify roles and application of legal understanding throughout. Week 4: Mock Trial - Case TWO: Breaking & Entering / Theft / Possession of Property Obtained Through Theft -- Following rules of court proceedings, students will "perform" their assigned roles in their second case. -- Discussion on how to improve / clarify roles and application of legal understanding *NOTE - Throughout the three cases, students will have the opportunity to play the part of one of the main attorneys (Prosecution or Defence) and / or a witness based on complete case files provided in class. The number of students in the class will affect the amount of roles played.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the key elements of criminal law, the courtroom, and the prosecution of crimes. Students will be able to apply these concepts of criminal law in regular discussions of real cases and in the roles they play in our online mock trials.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some case examples in the discussion may deal with violent or socially unacceptable situations which are in keeping with the nature of the class subject of crime. The teacher will always aim to be sensitive and avoid any too realistic or overly detailed descriptions of these crimes.
Supply List
"Case Briefs" will be provided for each of the mock trials outlining the crime, the charges as well as the information required to perform the roles.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
342reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Western Sydney (Australia)
Bachelor's Degree in English from Trent University (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)
I have taught Junior and Senior Law classes in High School and coached debate teams for over 10 years as a certified teacher of Social Studies. During that time, I have gained a confident understanding of the fundamental concepts of law as well as the best ways to simplify those concepts so that students can easily grasp them. Reviews
Live Group Class
$72
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 64 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-10 learners per class
