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High School Mock Trial
Jennifer Hughes, B.A., J.D., LL.M, LC
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(644)
Popular
Does your student love to argue or perform? Are they considering a job in the legal field? In this 12-week live course students will learn about the US Court System while developing writing skills, critical thinking, and oratory skills.
Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
Hi families, this course is a live class where we meet each week online. In this fun and educational program, students gain first-hand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures. No mock trial or even public experience is needed. This is also a great class for theatre focused students that love to perform. Objectives include: 1. Teaching students about ethics, civility, and professionalism. 2. Furthering their understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal...
12 lessons//12 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Introduction to the class/Group exerciseStudents will learn about the class, some terminology and do a fun get to know you activity.Week 2Lesson 2Court SystemsTogether we will look at State and Federal Court structures and discuss different types of court cases. Students if time permits will work on argument structure with a fun exercise.Week 3Lesson 3LawsIn this class we will walk through a case from pre-arrest to sentencing. Talk about each component and their constitutional basis. Students will receive our mock trial scenario.Week 4Lesson 4Case Law and Constitutional HarmStudents will learn the structure of a case by examining Roper vs. Simmons (2005), Juvenile Death Penalty CaseWeek 5Lesson 5SPARStudents will review how to write an effective argument and debate whether juveniles should be charged as adults.Week 6Lesson 6Court Room OverviewWe will go over each roll and students will choose their roll for our court case.Week 7Lesson 7Roll Writing DayStudents will begin to write their scripts for their part in the trial.Week 8Lesson 8Objections and Expert Witness TestimonyStudents will learn about Objections and how to cross-examine witnesses.Week 9Lesson 9Opening, Closing and Judge StatementsStudents will learn about opening and closing statements and discuss the judge's roll during a trial. Student's will write an opening statement together.Week 10Lesson 10Practice RunStudents will complete a practice run of mock trial.Week 11Lesson 11Practice RunStudent will complete a practice run of their mock trial.Week 12Lesson 12Trial DayStudent will present their mock trial
- Have fun and make friends!
- Develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.
- Develop crucial Public Speaking skills.
- Navigate the US Court System, learn about jobs and roles in the field, understand Constitutional Harm, Case Law and more.
I am a Professor, Speech and Debate Coach and Instructor on various platforms and High School and Middle School teacher. I am also a retired trial attorney in New York State with over 20 years' experience. I have taught Speech and Debate for many years at the Middle and High School Levels. My students have won awards at both the State and National levels. In 2024 one of my students co-championed Harvard and has a bid for Nationals. Several received scholarships to college based on their speech and debate accomplishments, as well as entrance into competitive High Schools. I also teach Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government and traditional High School Government, going on fifteen years. I know it is important to introduce a fact based, non-biased lesson to students that will foster discussions with their family. My teaching philosophy is that all students are individuals and unique learners that must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and where mistakes are considered education victories.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Projects
Frequency: 1-2 throughout the classFeedback: includedDetails: Students will not have a lot of homework, instead it will be more self-paced based on their roles for our mock trial.Grading
Frequency: includedDetails: I offer students grades and transcripts per parent request.
This class is inclusive to all learners. Parents, please reach out and let me know how to best support your learner. As a mom of neurodiverse children, I know they need to feel comfortable, safe and empowered.
None. This class is for the beginner and beyond. Students need no prior mock trial experience, or even to have strong public speaking skills. This class is great for those that like to perform as well.
This case focuses on Arson. We will examine the Roper v. Simmons case about Juvenile's and the Death Penalty. The facts are a bit disturbing but should not bother most students, the victim was tied and thrown over a bridge and died at the hands of three teenagers. We will also look at juveniles charged as adults and debate whether we think this is just.
Student will need a printer to print off our case and handouts. Microsoft word and google docs is helpful. I have practiced law for twenty years and competed in this activity. We will be using the State Bar mock trial prompt and handouts for class.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
644reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from State University of Buffalo School of Law
Welcome to my page, Follow me at: @outschoolteacherjenn on Facebook New for Fall 2024- High School and Middle School Mock Trial Semester Courses and Middle and Elementary Public Speaking Courses. AP Comparative Government and AP Government...
Reviews
Group Class
$24
weekly or $285 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
5-14 learners per class
