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Mock Trial Advocacy: Defending Justice

Grade 7English10 days

In this 7th-grade English project, students engage in a mock trial to defend a client, developing persuasive arguments and considering different viewpoints to understand justice. Through activities like analyzing case files, constructing argument outlines, and practicing persuasive language, students learn to build a strong defense. The project culminates in a mock trial where students apply their skills, reflecting on their performance and understanding of the adversarial legal system. This project fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and an appreciation for fairness.

Mock TrialPersuasive ArgumentsCritical ThinkingLegal SystemJusticeCross-ExaminationArgument Construction

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use persuasive arguments to defend a client in a mock trial, while considering different viewpoints and what is fair?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the key elements of a strong legal argument?
How can different perspectives influence the interpretation of evidence?
What role does persuasive language play in a courtroom setting?
How does the adversarial legal system function and ensure justice?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will construct well-reasoned arguments for prosecution/defense.
Students will deliver persuasive legal arguments.
Students will consider different perspectives.
Students will understand the pursuit of justice within the adversarial system.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Case of the Missing Mascot

The school mascot has mysteriously disappeared! Students examine 'evidence' (social media posts, witness statements) and formulate initial theories, sparking debate and setting the stage for understanding evidence-based argumentation in a trial setting.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Case File Foundation

Students begin by thoroughly understanding the mock trial case. They will analyze evidence, witness statements, and any other provided materials to form a foundational understanding of the facts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Read and annotate the mock trial case materials (evidence, witness statements, etc.).

2. Identify key facts, potential biases, and inconsistencies within the case.

3. Summarize the case from multiple perspectives (e.g., prosecution, defense, witnesses).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed case file containing annotated materials, summaries from different perspectives, and a list of key facts.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will understand the pursuit of justice within the adversarial system, by examining the facts from different angles.

Activity 2

Argument Construction Blueprint

Based on their assigned role (prosecution/defense), students will develop an initial argument outline. This involves identifying the main points they want to argue and the evidence they will use to support those points.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Determine the main points to argue based on the assigned role (prosecution/defense).

2. Identify specific pieces of evidence (witness statements, documents, etc.) that support each main point.

3. Create a visual outline or mind map of the argument, showing the relationship between main points and supporting evidence.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed argument outline or mind map that showcases the logical structure of their case and the evidence supporting it.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will construct well-reasoned arguments for prosecution/defense, by logically structuring their arguments.

Activity 3

Persuasive Language Playbook

Students will learn and practice using persuasive language techniques to enhance their arguments. They will explore rhetorical devices, emotional appeals, and impactful word choices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and identify various persuasive language techniques (e.g., rhetorical questions, analogies, repetition).

2. Practice incorporating these techniques into written and spoken arguments related to the mock trial case.

3. Analyze examples of persuasive language used in real-world legal settings (e.g., famous closing arguments).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Persuasive Language Playbook' containing examples of persuasive techniques and exercises demonstrating their application to the mock trial.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will deliver persuasive legal arguments, by mastering persuasive language techniques.

Activity 4

Cross-Examination Challenge

Students will develop and practice cross-examination questions to challenge the opposing side's witnesses. This involves anticipating potential weaknesses in the opposition's case and formulating questions to expose those weaknesses.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify potential weaknesses and inconsistencies in the opposing side's case and witness statements.

2. Develop a series of cross-examination questions designed to expose these weaknesses and challenge the credibility of witnesses.

3. Practice delivering cross-examination questions in a clear, concise, and impactful manner.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of well-crafted cross-examination questions for key witnesses on the opposing side, along with justifications for each question's strategic purpose.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will consider different perspectives, by anticipating and challenging the arguments of the opposing side.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Mock Trial Portfolio Rubric: 7th Grade English

Category 1

Case File Foundation

Demonstrates thorough understanding of case materials and perspectives.

Criterion 1

Annotation & Summarization

Quality and depth of annotations, summaries, and identification of key facts within case materials.

Exemplary

4 Points

Comprehensive annotations reveal deep understanding of case nuances. Summaries accurately capture multiple perspectives, highlighting key facts and potential biases with insightful observations.

Proficient

3 Points

Annotations demonstrate a good understanding of the case. Summaries accurately represent different perspectives and identify key facts.

Developing

2 Points

Annotations are present but may lack depth. Summaries attempt to represent different perspectives but may contain inaccuracies or omissions.

Beginning

1 Points

Annotations are minimal or absent. Summaries are incomplete or fail to accurately represent different perspectives.

Category 2

Argument Construction Blueprint

Effectiveness and clarity of the argument outline, demonstrating logical structure and evidentiary support.

Criterion 1

Argument Logic & Evidence

Clarity of main points, logical flow of argument, and effective use of evidence to support claims.

Exemplary

4 Points

Argument outline presents a compelling and logically sound case. Main points are exceptionally clear and persuasively supported by well-chosen evidence, demonstrating sophisticated reasoning.

Proficient

3 Points

Argument outline presents a clear and logical case. Main points are well-supported by relevant evidence.

Developing

2 Points

Argument outline shows an attempt to structure a logical case, but clarity and supporting evidence may be lacking in some areas.

Beginning

1 Points

Argument outline is poorly structured and lacks clear main points or supporting evidence.

Category 3

Persuasive Language Playbook

Skillful application of persuasive language techniques to enhance arguments.

Criterion 1

Technique Application & Analysis

Identification of persuasive techniques and ability to apply them effectively to the mock trial case.

Exemplary

4 Points

Playbook demonstrates masterful understanding and application of persuasive techniques. Examples are insightful and tailored to the mock trial case, revealing a sophisticated understanding of rhetoric.

Proficient

3 Points

Playbook demonstrates a good understanding and application of persuasive techniques. Examples are relevant to the mock trial case.

Developing

2 Points

Playbook identifies persuasive techniques but application to the mock trial case may be superficial or lack impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Playbook demonstrates limited understanding of persuasive techniques and fails to apply them effectively to the mock trial case.

Category 4

Cross-Examination Challenge

Strategic development of cross-examination questions to challenge opposing arguments.

Criterion 1

Question Quality & Strategy

Clarity, relevance, and strategic purpose of cross-examination questions, with clear justification.

Exemplary

4 Points

Cross-examination questions are exceptionally well-crafted and strategically designed to expose key weaknesses in the opposing side's case. Justifications demonstrate a deep understanding of legal strategy.

Proficient

3 Points

Cross-examination questions are clear, relevant, and strategically designed to challenge the opposing side's case. Justifications are provided.

Developing

2 Points

Cross-examination questions attempt to challenge the opposing side's case, but may lack clarity, relevance, or strategic purpose. Justifications may be weak or missing.

Beginning

1 Points

Cross-examination questions are poorly constructed and fail to effectively challenge the opposing side's case. Justifications are inadequate or absent.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

What was the most challenging aspect of developing your arguments for the mock trial, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 2

To what extent do you think you were able to deliver a persuasive legal argument?

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Question 3

How did considering different perspectives impact your understanding of the case and the pursuit of justice?

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Question 4

Which persuasive language technique did you find most effective, and why?

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Question 5

What is one thing you would do differently if you were to participate in another mock trial?

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