Trial by Jury
OVERVIEW
This technique utilizes a mock trial complete with witnesses, prosecutors, defenders,
friends of the court, and more. It is a good method to spark “controversy learning”-
learn by effectively arguing a view point and challenging the opposite view.
PROCEDURE
1. Create an indictment that will help students see the difference sides
of an issue. Examples of “crimes” for which someone or something
might be tried are: a literary character or real person with moral
failings; a controversial book; an unproven theory; a value that does
not have merit; and a faulty process, law, or institution.
2. Assign all roles to students. Depending on the number of students,
you could use all or some of these roles: defendant, defense attorney,
defense witnesses, prosecuting attorney, prosecuting witnesses,
friends of the court, judge, jury member. Each role can be filled by
one person or by team. You could have any number in the Jury.
3. Allow time for students to prepare. This could be a few minutes up to
an hour, depending on the complexity of the issue.
4. Conduct the trail. Consider using these activities: opening arguments,
case presented by the professor and witnesses, friend of the court
briefs, a closing arguments.
5. Conduct the jury deliberations. These should be done publicly, so
everyone can be given an assignment to listen for various aspects of
the case.
VARIATIONS
1. Extend the activity by staging a retrial.
2. Eliminate a trial by jury and substitute a trail by judge only.
Active Learning: 101 Strategies to Teach any Subject by MEL
SILBERMAN.