Basic Overview The Criminal Mock Trial The Trial
Basic Overview: The Criminal Mock Trial
The Trial Process Formal process conducted in a specific and orderly fashion according to rules of criminal law Structured proceeding (pros & then def) Each side seeks to present its case favorably
The Trial Process: Opening Statements § Lead Prosecutor then Lead Defense Attorney make opening statements § Statements are designed to provide an overview of each team’s case § Definition of charges is vital here: based on what set of laws? Yassa? Sharia? Christian law? Chinese law? Specify & keep focused on the 600 -1450 time period. § Must not contain prejudicial remarks, inflammatory statements, or mention irrelevant facts
The Trial Process: Witnesses Witness Testimony Sworn in § Direct Examination: the questioning of one’s own (prosecution or defense) witness during a trial § Cross Examination: interrogation of opposing sides’ witnesses during the trial. All cross examination attorneys aim to discredit the witness’s reliability. § Witnesses are restricted to factual information/personal accounts § Only expert witnesses may offer opinions based on their training and expertise (Forensic Experts)
The Trial Process: Evidence Types of Evidence at a Criminal Trial § Testimonial evidence § Physical evidence § Documentary evidence To be admissible clearly evidence must be relevant to the case. Presentation of evidence provided during witness examinations. Forensic Experts provide THREE exhibits of evidence (in Ziploc bags). The “burden of proof” is always on the prosecution
The Trial Process: Closing Arguments § Used to review facts and evidence § Prosecution and defense can draw reasonable inferences from evidence § Cannot refer to matters not in evidence
The Trial Process: Verdict The Verdict § Guilty verdict: judges will normally state sentencing & terms. § Not guilty: defendant is free and may not be retried.
Former APWH Trial Pictures for Inspiration
CC The Mongols & MT Role Sign Up https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=szx. Par 0 Bc. Mo http: //afe. easia. columbia. edu/mongols/index. html
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