DEFENSE
INSTRUCTIONS
It will be your job to convince a jury
beyond a reasonable doubt that Lizzie Borden did not commit the murders of her
father, Andrew Borden and her step-mother, Abby Borden. For this case you
will need to research all of the facts. You will be required to put
together an opening statement, questions for your witnesses, cross examinations
of the prosecution's witnesses and finally a closing statement. To
accomplish this you are required to follow these steps.
STEP 1: Researching Trial
Procedures
The first thing you
need to do is find information on trial procedures. You will need to find
information on questioning witnesses, developing effective opening and closing
statements, objections and courtroom etiquette. You may use the links that I
have set up for you on the main page and/or other resources that you may wish to
use, i.e. books, magazines, other web sites etc.
- Takes notes. Hand in notes to Judge
Eddington for a grade.
STEP 2: Researching the
Case
You will need to start
gathering facts to help your case. I have several web sites linked to the
main page that describe the Lizzie Borden case. You will require the help
of Dr. Doolittle's forensic lab from the Fall River Police Department. They
are conducting scientific tests on the evidence found at the crime scene.
- You are required to take notes on any
research you do. Make sure you write down the web site that you got your
information from and hand in. Your notes will be examined by Judge
Eddington.
- You must develop a list of questions for
the forensic department to answer by conducting highly scientific labs.
I.e. What is the time of death? or, Who's blood was found on the ax?
- Hand in the questions to me by the date established on the docket, and I will fax them to the police office. You should receive the
results within 2-3 business days.
STEP 3: Questioning the
Witnesses
Now you must put
together your questions for each of your witnesses. Witnesses will be from
this class or Dr. Doolittle's forensic lab.
- Write out a list of questions that you
will ask each of your witnesses. Keep in mind the questions must be
relevant to your case.
- Hand in your questions for approval from
the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
- Then you will get together with each of
your witnesses to develop a written skit for you to follow during the mock
trial. Keep in mind that you will want to enter physical evidence during
questioning.
- Hand in a copy of each of your skits to
the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
- Make sure you practice your skits enough
so you have all of the kinks worked out. Surprises may arise during the
trial.
- You will also need to know the
prosecution's witnesses. Learn their background. During the trial
you will be cross-examining these witnesses.
STEP 4: Opening and Closing Statements
You will now need to create your opening
and closing statements. Follow the guidelines that you researched.
Your statements should be one to two minutes long.
- Hand in a written copy of your statements
to the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
WARNING: DO NOT TALK ABOUT THIS TRIAL WITH ANY OF THE JURY
MEMBERS!!
IF YOU DO, A MISTRIAL WILL BE CALLED AND...Points Lost!
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