Criminal Law Mock Trials: Middle School CAMP

This is the perfect class for Middle School students who want a quick introduction to the study of Criminal Law and want to practice what they learn in discussions, case analyses, and mock trials.  Learners in this class must be in the proper age range of 12 - 14 years old. Students not in this range will be transferred to a class with the appropriate age range.

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 see these concepts in action with sample cases for them to discuss and debate.  

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

Day 1: Principles of Criminal Law 
--Actus Reus & Mens Rea - "The Crime Equation"
--Prosecution & Defence roles
--Crime classifications
--Sample cases to apply 

Day 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

Day 3: Mock Trial - Case ONE
--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

Day 4: Mock Trial - Case TWO
--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.