Do you like CSI shows and courtroom dramas? This is the perfect class for you! Investigate a murder mystery as if you are a detective, then work together with your team to prosecute--or defend--the accused!

Students will begin by investigating a murder in the first class. If you have ever taken my Detective Club classes, class 1 will follow the same format. Students will be presented with the scenario and the evidence. They will lead the investigation and interrogate any suspects they come across. Students will use their critical thinking skills to deduce who is the culprit; HOWEVER, this case ends with a twist, one that will make the murder trial a challenge for both the prosecution and the defense. In classes 2-7, students will work together in teams to prepare for the trial. They will have to utilize the evidence obtained in the first class and build their theory of the case. They will then prepare opening statements, direct and cross-examination questions, and closing arguments. In order to give students the maximum amount of time to work together in class, I will also provide recorded videos to be watched before class explaining trial procedure and how to prepare the different components. This class is mostly a collaborative project. I will assist when students need help, or to encourage teamwork, but please note that this is not meant to be a lecture-based class.

Class 2-7, students will work in two breakout rooms (one for prosecutors, the other for defense attorneys). I will be logged in with two devices and I will be present in each room. Students will be able to call out to me in order to get individual attention. 

Mock trial teams in high schools and law schools require students to work together in small groups to prepare for their trials. This is also how attorneys work together in real life. Students will be able to practice their communication and intrapersonal skills as they apply it to working as a team. 

Students can decide to either be attorneys, pretend to be witnesses, or sit on the jury. Regardless of the role they choose, students must work together in their assigned group to help prepare the case for trial. Students are expected to participate. After the initial security check, students can keep their cameras off if they feel more comfortable; BUT, they are expected to communicate and discuss with their teammates. 

From weeks 2 through 7, a portion of the class will include discussions on what needs to be done to prepare for the trial. In the remainder of the class session, students will implement what they learned as they collaboratively draft their speeches and questions. 

This class does not have a prerequisite, you can take it along with any of my other mock trial classes. If you would like a deep dive into mock trials, I recommend checking out Mock Trial 1. If you would like to ease in to the collaborative process, I would check out Mock Trial 2. 


Class 1 - Investigate the Case
Class 2 - An overview of how trials work, public speaking tips and tricks, and how one's presentation can influence jurors
Class 3 - Strategize - Split into teams of prosecutors and defense attorneys and plan out the theory of your case
Class 4 - Opening Statement - Work together to draft your opening statement
Class 5 - Direct and cross-examination preparation - 
Class 6 - Closing argument prep
Class 7 - Wrap up, practice run-throughs, and any final questions from the class before the big day!
Class 8 - The mock trial!