Keys to
The Mongol Trial
Witnesses:
o Research your assigned character to discover what historical connection you might have had with the actions of the Mongol leadership and the military forces of the Mongol Empire.
o Be prepared to answer questions regarding your position within this scenario. Be clear in defining who you are, what is your connection to Genghis Kahn (and family), and your testimony.
Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys:
o Choose a lead attorney to manage your legal team. This person will be responsible for making sure that the witnesses are covered by the rest of the team and for writing the opening and closing remarks. This will make up the written preparation requirement for this person. While in the library, they should keep their team on track, helping their members to locate additional information and making suggestions.
· All other lawyers should be assigned witnesses. They will need to direct AND cross. Their written preparation requirement is to hand in a Brief Statement for each assigned witness that includes what charge you will question them on, a list of questions and what you hope they will prove. This does not have to be in narrative format. It can be an outline format or a bullet pointed list with a brief statement for each. It must be typed. But, you MUST be prepared to do your job. You should meet with your witness briefly to discuss your strategy with them.
- Preview the list of possible witnesses and decide which of them would be the best to support your objectives
(acquittal or conviction). - Briefly Interview them if necessary.
- Develop a list of questions for your witnesses and anticipate which witnesses may be called to testify for your opposition. How might you discredit them? Remember to work as a team.
- Your team may call no more than 4 witnesses, so choose wisely. This role seems easier because you are not a specific person, but it takes a greater amount of leg work to prove your point and your opposition may be fierce!
- Also, someone in your legal team should prepare BRIEF opening and closing statements. (1 to 2 minutes)
- Develop a strategy for dividing the witnesses and their cross examination. Support each other by discussing your strategies and making suggestions of questions that would be most incriminating or supportive.
· There will be no objections made. But this does not give you free license to badger witnesses, lead witnesses,
try to enter any hearsay from a witness…stick to the facts. They should drive your case.
· Defense attorneys should use Genghis Khan and his political/ familial successors as a resource. Use them if
you need them!
The lead attorney needs to record which lawyer is responsible for each witness and turn it in to Mr. Ketterling by 12/8.