Fairy Tales on Trial

A Review of 2014 Trials

While participating in a mock trial, students are given an opportunity to apply language arts skills including close reading, persuasive and argumentative writing, speaking and drama.

Students learn about careers in the legal field and work cooperatively to create each case and take on the roles of judge, attorneys, witnesses, bailiff, and jury.

Students tour courthouse and listen to guest speakers who discuss various legal careers.

Why Mock Trials?

Preparing for the TrialWriting the Script

Analyze the Behaviors of the Characters in a Fairy Tale

Developing Legal Arguments Using Information From the Text

Writing Opening Statements

Preparing Questions and Answers with the Witnesses

Practicing Cross Examination Questions

Costumes & Makeup

Pretrial Preparations

Little Red and Company

Practicing Staying in Character

Preparing to be Princesses

Creating Dramatic Evidence

Dressed and Ready to Go!

At the CourthouseSpecial Guests

Judge Prater’s Courtroom

Tour of the Courthouse

Circuit Court Clerk, Courthouse Staff, and Parent May Participate

Now for the Trial

Teachers, Student Teachers, or Staff Members Act as the Defendant

Prosecution Team is All Smiles Before the Trial

Witnesses Waiting to Testify

The Trial Begins

Opening Statements Given

Witnesses Must Swear In

Attorneys Question and Cross-Examine Witnesses

Costuming Helps Keep Everyone in Character

A Former GT Student Turned Teacher Acts as Defendant

Closing Statements Given to the Jury

Training on Jury Procedures

Student Jury

Judge on the Jury

The Verdict is in . . . .

. . . the Big Bad Wolf is Going to Jail.

Mock Trials and The Literacy Design Collaborative

Mock Trials engage students in activities that encourage them to reach higher levels in

reading, writing, and thinking.

Teams of student attorneys and witnesses work together to write arguments to support their claims in an analysis based on multiple story book texts. They are required to use valid reasoning and sufficient evidence for their claims.

Students produce a clear and coherent script in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task (mock trial), purpose (defending or prosecuting the defendant), and audience (jury and community members).

Mock Trials and LDC Writing Standards for Argumentation

Students develop and strengthen their scripts over time by planning (attorneys and witnesses meeting together), revising (based on testimonies given), editing, rewriting, and trying another approach (especially during cross-examination).

Students draw evidence from literary text (fairy tales) to support analysis, reflect, and research other versions of fairy tales for comparison.

Witnesses write narratives to develop imagined experiences and events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences which they will use in an effort to persuade the jury.

Students gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources and integrate the information. Sources of information include criminal behavior and punishment charts, trial procedure information, job responsibilities, and a student glossary of legal terms.

Mock Trials and Program Review

Schools Use Mock Trails as Evidence for Program Review

Video Evidence of Student Performances

Students Engaged in Creating and Performing Drama

Arts Cross Curricular Integration

Students Use a Variety of Problem Solving Skills in Their Performances

Arts & Humanities

Students Are Exposed to Guest Speakers From Community

Study of Legal Careers

Study of Rights & Responsibilities

Practical Living & Career Studies

Integration of Appropriate Communication Skills and Presentation Techniques

Students Utilize Social and Life Skills in a Cooperative Environment

Provides Students With an Opportunity to Develop Leadership Skills

Curriculum & Instruction