Civics Lessons

Teaching Strategy: Mock Trial

Perdante v. Dalton Academy

Case developed for the 2013 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament: Civil Case
The plaintiff, a member of an up-and-coming high-school mock-trial team, alleges that the defendant, a rival school, made defamatory statements about the plaintiff in the defendant’s online newspaper.

State vs. Jack Robinson Mock Trial

This scripted mock trial includes ideas for pre and post mock trial activities.

People of New Michigan v. Thomas Osiski

Case developed for the 2012 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament: Criminal Case-Murder

The Problem of SpongeBob RoundPants

This short scripted mock trial for grades 4-6 involves SpongeBob suing Abercrombie and Fish for pants that don’t fit. Scripted parts allow the trial to move quickly to jury deliberations during which the student jurors actually decide the verdict of the case.

Jamie Anderson v. Taylor Williams

Case developed for the 2011 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament
Civil Case-Cyber-stalking

Yertle the Turtle Mock Trial

This mock trial exposes students to the mechanics of a jury trial, and stresses the importance of functioning as a juror.

People v. Alex Johnson

Case developed for the 2010 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament
Criminal Case-Murder of high school student

Sidney Young vs. Riley Gardner

Case developed for the 2009 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament
Civil Case-negligence, texting while driving

People v. Morgan Phillips

Case developed for the 2008 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament:Criminal Case-Murder

Brooks v. Lawrence and the Clearwater Police Department

Case developed for the 2007 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament
Civil Case-unnecessary force