Criminal Law Mock Trials: Class TWO
Learn and discuss the historical roots and philosophy behind the law, the elements of crime and the criminal trial process, and then apply it all by playing roles in our class 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 in order to be able to answer questions in review quizzes. Also, after the mock trial cases and roles are assigned, students will need to read the cases carefully, prepare their cases, and be ready to perform their role during class time.Assessment
Learners are informally assessed by their contributions to our class discussions and quizzes. They are also informally assessed on their level of preparation and performance during the mock trials.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This class is a great follow up to “Criminal Law Mock Trials - Class ONE” for learners who want to go further with their study of Law and continue to practice their skills with two more mock trials. If you haven’t taken it yet, here is a link to “Criminal Law Mock Trials - Class 1”: https://outschool.com/classes/criminal-law-mock-trials-class-1-CtLpxGK2?usid=suzfI9wF&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link The first two classes will focus on the historical roots and philosophies of law, the elements of a criminal act, and how it is prosecuted and defended in a court of law. Throughout, students will see these concepts in action with sample cases to discuss and debate. During the second two classes, students will take on the role of a prosecutor, defence attorney, or witnesses in TWO long form mock trials. Below is a rough breakdown of what we will cover in the four classes: Week 1: Intro & History of Criminal Law -- Actus Reus & Mens Rea - "The Crime Equation" -- Historical Roots of Law -- Legal Philosophies / Criminology -- Sample cases to apply Week 2: Rights and Roles in the Courtroom -- Roles within the Courtroom: Prosecutor, Defence, Judge, Jury, Clerks, Witnesses, etc. -- Prosecution & Defence roles -- Sample cases to apply -- Mock Trial Cases / Roles Assigned Week 3: Mock Trial - Case ONE: Assault & Robbery --Following rules of court proceedings, students will "perform" their assigned roles in the first of three cases. --Discussion on how to improve / clarify roles and application of legal understanding Week 4: Mock Trial - Case TWO: Drug possession & Trafficking --Following rules of court proceedings, students will "perform" their assigned roles in the first of three cases. --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) as well as 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 - some of the history and philosophy behind it and how it is applied in 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
Class "Note-Taking Guides" and "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 and clarify those concepts in a way that students can easily grasp. Reviews
Live Group Class
$72
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-10 learners per class
