The Situation: the School House Burglary

Pg. 7-8

The situation: The school house burglary

Vandalism and break-ins had become as serious problem for high school officials. On Saturday evening, February 2, 2005 a janitor-guard reported a break-in at the local high school to police. Police arriving at the scene learned that the janitor had surprised several youths in the midst of a series of destructive actions in the school. The janitor evidently attempted to stop the vandals but was struck from behind, knocked momentarily unconscious, came to, but was unable to make a positive identification of the culprits.

School official reported that five classrooms had been seriously vandalized; the Audio-Visual room of the Media Center, in addition to being vandalized, had several dozens I pods and Blue Ray DVD’s missing, and the cafeteria supply room had foodstuffs, (juices, snacks, fruit) missing in significant quantities

Police investigation followed and led immediately to the home of the accused and a garage in the nearby neighborhood. A successful search followed in which police discovered and seized numerous items that had been stolen from the high school and others alleged to have been stolen in recent robberies in the community. Police arrested 18 year old male on the charges of burglary and larceny. The accused was arraigned, pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted a trial by jury, in is now out on bail pending trial

Roles and Responsibilities:

Judge

1.  Preside over the trial and courtroom

2.  Give opening instruction to the jury

3.  Call for opening statements

4.  Call for the Direct Examination of witness by the prosecution

5.  Allow the Defense to cross-examine each witness

6.  Call for the Direct Examination of witness by the Defense

7.  Allow the Prosecution to cross-examine each witness

8.  Decide and rule on any and all objection and questions raised

9.  Ask for Closing Statements, first by Prosecution, followed by Defense

10.  Give the charge to the Jury and explain their decision-making obligations

11.  Excuse the jury from the courtroom to make their deliberations

12.  Hear the Verdict of the Jury

13.  Pronounce the sentence if the defendant is convicted or release him if he acquitted

14.  Dismiss the jury and adjourn the court

Bailiff

1.  Maintain order in the court room

2.  Call the court to order

Clerk of Court

1.  Swear in witness

2.  Assist the Judge as required

3.  Lead the jury to the jury room and then back to their court when a verdict has been reached.

4.  Receive the verdict of the jury

Attorney: Prosecution and Defense

1.  Determine and assign responsibilities for: opening and closing statements, direct examination and cross examination obligations

2.  Interview witnesses to determine the essential testimonies and facts

3.  Plan and prepare your case and any material evidence you may have

4.  Determine the order of your witnesses for direct examination

5.  Conduct the direct examination and cross examination of witnesses

6.  Prepare and deliver opening and closing statements to the jury

WITNESSES:

1.  KNOW THE ESSENTIAL FACTS OF THE CASE AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THESE FACTS, STUDY YOUR PROFILE SHEET CAREFULLY

2.  WRITE OUT QUESTIONS AND THE ANSWERS TO THEM THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT TO BE ASKED BY YOUR LAWYER DURING THE TRIAL. SHARE THESE WITH YOUR LAWYERS.

3.  YOU MAY NOT LIE OR CHANGE THE ESTABLISHED FACTS OF YOUR PROFILE ROLE SHEET. HOWEVER, YOU MAY INTERPRET, ADD TO, OR ELARGE ON THESE GIVEN FACTS.

4.  TRY TO CONFROM TO AND REMAIN IN THE ROLE OF THE PERSON YOU ARE PORTRAYING THROUGHOUT THE TRIAL.

JURORS:

1.  You may be asked to make appropriate signs for the courtroom to identify the various participants

2.  Listen actively to the speeches and testimonies of the trial; follow the directions of the judge and make your decisions after you have carefully considered and discussed the facts presented to you

3.  Be prepared to take notes during the trial to assist in making your decision

4.  One of you will be selected to serve as Foreman of the Jury; this person will lead the discussion, take votes when necessary, and report the verdict to the Court

5.  As a jury, you will be asked to make two decision in this case:

a.  Determine the innocence or guilt of the accused to the charges brought against him

b.  Determine which team of lawyers did the best job in presenting their case