The Trial of the Duke and King

15 pts/role

In my ideal world, the Duke and King are put on trial for their actions in chapters 24-30- so that’s what we’re going to do. In this role play, the King and Duke are on trial for swindling the Wilks out of their inheritance. You are to demonstrate your understanding of chapters by playing one of the following roles. The descriptions below are what I will be looking for as I evaluate your understanding of each character and their role in the con:

  • The King and Duke-you must decide whether they come clean or continue on with pretending to be Harvey and Harry Wilks
  • Mary Jane- a key witness who explains how she was swindled, how Huck came to her aid and why the con is so harmful to the family
  • Johanna Wilks- Johanna can initially see through the con and questions the King and Duke and Huck but is told to shush by her sisters.
  • Huck Finn- another key witness who appeared to be part of the scam but in the end, helped the Wilks family regain their money
  • The real Harvey Wilks- in a British accent explains why he was delayed and proves that he is the REAL Harvy.
  • The real William Wilks- is deaf and mute but plays a role in why Harvey did not initially show up after Peter died
  • Lawyer defending the King and Duke- a tough role- depending on how the King and Duke roll out their story, the lawyers must defend them- no matter what. Creativity is key here.
  • Lawyer prosecuting the King and Duke- must show evidence and choose appropriate witnesses.
  • The Jury- to decide on the fate of the King and Duke and rationalize why.
  • The Judge- keeps order in the court and ensure the process moves along smoothly. The judge may call out witnesses when they get out of hand or off topic.

Court Proceedings:

  1. The judge opens court with an explanation of why the King and Duke are on trial.
  2. Judge first calls defending lawyer to the stand for opening statements. Defending lawyer has one minute for the opening statement.
  3. Judge next calls the prosecuting lawyer to the stand for opening statements. Prosecuting lawyer has one minute for the opening statement.
  4. Defending lawyer gets to call TWO witnesses to the stand and ask questions of their witnesses. Each witness has five minutes to testify.
  5. Prosecution may cross-examine ONE witness. Prosecutor has five minutes to cross-examine.
  6. Prosecuting lawyer gets to call TWO witnesses to the stand and ask questions of their witnesses. Each witness has five minutes to testify.
  7. Defending lawyer may cross-examine ONE witness. Prosecutor has five minutes to cross-examine.
  8. Closing statements made by each lawyer. Each lawyer has two minutes for closing statements.
  9. Jury to vote- jury must rationalize (on paper provided) their vote.
  • The King and Duke-you must decide whether they come clean or continue on with pretending to be Harvey and Harry Wilks
  • Mary Jane- a key witness who explains how she was swindled, how Huck came to her aid and why the con is so harmful to the family
  • Johanna Wilks- Johanna can initially see through the con and questions the King and Duke and Huck but is told to shush by her sisters.
  • Huck Finn- another key witness who appeared to be part of the scam but in the end, helped the Wilks family regain their money
  • The real Harvey Wilks- in a British accent explains why he was delayed and proves that he is the REAL Harvy.
  • The real William Wilks- is deaf and mute but plays a role in why Harvey did not initially show up after Peter died
  • Lawyer defending the King and Duke- a tough role- depending on how the King and Duke roll out their story, the lawyers must defend them- no matter what. Creativity is key here.
  • Lawyer prosecuting the King and Duke- must show evidence and choose appropriate witnesses.
  • The Jury- to decide on the fate of the King and Duke and rationalize why.
  • The Judge- keeps order in the court and ensure the process moves along smoothly. The judge may call out witnesses when they get out of hand or off topic.