Mock Courtroom Drama
Grades 4-12
DownloadTeach students about courtroom procedures, roles in the justice system, argumentation, and critical thinking through a mock trial.
Materials
- Mock trial case packet (simple fictional case or real-world adaptation)
- Role cards: judge, bailiff, attorneys, witnesses, defendant, jury
- Scripted case summary or evidence sheet
- Notepads and pens for note-taking
- Gavel (optional for fun)
- Desks/tables arranged to resemble a courtroom
Instructions
- Choose or create a mock trial scenario (e.g., theft at school, cyberbullying case, or vandalism).
- Create a brief case summary with:
- Alleged crime
- Key facts
- List of characters involved
- Witness statements and/or “evidence”
- Create a brief case summary with:
- Assign students the following courtroom roles:
- Judge (1)
- Bailiff (1)
- Defense Attorney(s)
- Prosecuting Attorney(s)
- Defendant (1)
- Witnesses (2-4)
- Jury (5-7)
- Court Reporter (optional)
- Gives students time to:
- Read their roles and case summaries
- Attorneys prepare opening/closing arguments, and questions for witnesses
- Witnesses prepare statements and practice their testimony
- Encourage teams to collaborate and write down key arguments or questions.
- Set up the classroom like a courtroom:
- Judge in front, attorneys at tables, jury off to one side.
- Follow simplified trial procedure:
- Opening Statements
- Prosecutor goes first, then defense
- Presentation of Evidence
- Each side calls witnesses
- Opposing sides cross-examine
- Closing Statements
- Prosecutor summarizes case, then defense
- Jury Deliberation
- Jury leaves room (or deliberates quietly) and reaches a verdict
- Verdict Announcement
- Jury announces “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” with reasons
- Opening Statements
- Ask students:
- What did you learn about the justice system?
- Was the trial fair?
- How did it feel to argue a side?
- Optional: Have students write a reflection or submit their closing arguments.