Truman Trial Final Check-ListCountdown to the Trial: 5 Days to go…
As a group, prosecution & defense teams separately, complete each of the following steps:
(The attorneys from each side of the case should lead the discussion.)
____ Procedural Questions: How will the trial proceed? 1st half of day Prosecution’s Case, Defense Cross Examination. 2nd half of the day Defense Case, Prosecution Cross Examination
____ Attorney Procedures for Objections: Under what grounds can you object?
____ Case Line: All witnesses must know and understand the case-line and how it connects to them as witnesses. What is the main thesis and basis for your case? This may involve multiple points, but should be strongly emphasized during the intro and should logically connect with each witness.
____ Additional photographs of evidence must be submitted two days before the trial: Bring them on a disc or USB Stick.
____ Order of Presentation: Attorneys present the order in which the witnesses will be called to the stand.
Meet with your individual attorneys and complete the following:
____ Witness Prep: Each witness must be able to explain how he/she connects to the case-line. What is he she trying to prove through the testimony? Is the testimony effective?
____ Witness Dress: Explain how you will dress.
____ Rehearse Questions: Practice your questions with your attorney. As a group, predict what the other side will ask you, and practice responses.
____ Binder prep: Prepare all of your research and place in a well-ordered binder, so that you can bring it to the stand with you. You will hand this in at the end of the trial. It should include all of your materials, as well as a bibliography of all sources.
Witnesses, on your own, complete the following:
____ Do you see any gaps in your research? Try to find additional information to fill the gaps.
____ Re-read the grading rubrics: Re-read the grading rubrics and see where you stand. What do you still need to work on in order to get the grade you want?
____ Memorize your responses: Now practice… How will you act? How will you make your character even more convincing?
____ Prepare your clothes: Get your clothes ready days before the trial. You will dress for both days of the trial.
____ If you have additional time, assist the lawyers with research.
Attorneys complete the following together:
____ Rehearse the opening statement with all witnesses: Prepare to read the opening to your side.
____ Do you see any gaps in your research? Try to find additional information to fill the gaps.
____ Re-read the grading rubric: Re-read the grading rubric and see where you stand. What do you still need to work on in order to get the grade you want?
____ Organize all materials: Organize your materials in folders so that they are accessible to your team of lawyers.
____ Discuss the Cross Examination Witnesses: Discuss the key witnesses in cross-examination, and share your team’s plan for each witness. You should have several questions prepared for each cross- examination witness, but more importantly, you should have primary sources that can be used against them. Which witnesses are crucial to the case? Which ones can you pay less attention to? The most important thing is that you are prepared to listen carefully to the question, and apply what you hear to your cross-examination.
Truman Trial Lesson Design: David Nelson, American Community Schools of Athens, Greece
Version Combo 9.0