Prosecution Lawyer Task Card

Pre-Trial:
1. Read the sample mock trial script and take note of the District Attorney's role.
That is your job, just with a different name. Look at the type of language used, the
types of questions asked, and the opening, and closing statements.
2. Divide the tasks amongst the prosecution team: Two people can share the same
task (ex: 2 people might deliver the opening statement in turns, or 2 people might do
the direct examination and question different witnesses)
a. Opening statement
b. Direct examination of your witnesses
c. Cross examination of the defenses’ witnesses
d. Closing statement
3. Research sidebars and objections-what are they and how can you use then to your
advantage during the trial.
4. Prepare at least 3 questions to ask each witness for a total of 24 questions. You
want to brainstorm questions that will ultimately support your own side. You can
share the questions with your own witnesses to help them prepare their answers for
the trial.
5. Prepare your opening statement. You are telling a story. Paint a picture for the
jury about how Christopher Columbus is a villain. Do not give away your evidence or
your witnesses, just tell the story of what happened from your point of view (ex:
Columbus mistreated natives, stole their land, took them as slaves etc.)
6. Prepare your closing statement. This is your chance to summarize all the evidence
presented and also summarize the witnesses’ testimonies. Use as many persuasive
techniques as you can to win over the jury (pathos, ethos, logos)

During the Trial:

1. Deliver your opening statement
2. Ask your questions to each witness. Feel free to object if any of the opposing
lawyers are mistreating your witnesses.
3. Deliver your closing statement.

Post Trial:
1. You did it! Good work. Complete your reflection sheet.
 Defense Lawyer Task Card
Pre-Trial:
1. Read the sample mock trial script and take note of the Public Defender’s role. That
is your job, just with a different name. Look at the type of language used, the types of
questions asked, and the opening, and closing statements.
2. Divide the tasks amongst the prosecution team: Two people can share the same
task (ex: 2 people might deliver the opening statement in turns, or 2 people might do
the direct examination and question different witnesses)
● Opening statement
● Direct examination of your witnesses
● Cross examination of the defenses’ witnesses
● Closing statement
3. Prepare at least 3 questions to ask each witness for a total of 24 questions. You
want to brainstorm questions that will ultimately support your own side. You can
share the questions with your own witnesses to help them prepare their answers for
the trial.
4. Meet with Christopher Columbus to discuss any evidence. Decide if he will testify
or not. Notify the Prosecution of your decision.
5. Research sidebars and objections-what are they and how can you use then to your
advantage during the trial.
6. Prepare your opening statement. You are telling a story. Paint a picture for the
jury about how Christopher Columbus is a hero. Do not give away your evidence or
your witnesses, just tell the story of what happened from your point of view (ex:
Columbus discovered the New World, started transatlantic trade, brought horses,
and sugar etc.)
7. Prepare your closing statement. This is your chance to summarize all the evidence
presented and also summarize the witnesses’ testimonies. Use as many persuasive
techniques as you can to win over the jury (pathos, ethos, logos)

During the Trial:

1. Deliver your opening statement
2. Ask your questions to each witness. Feel free to object if any of the opposing
lawyers are mistreating your witnesses.
3. Deliver your closing statement.

Post Trial:
1. You did it! Good work. Complete your reflection sheet.
 Witness Task Card
Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the witnesses.
2. Research your character to learn as much as you can about them. The more
information you know, the easier it will be to answer questions during the trial.
3. Write a short, one paragraph biography about your character. You will read this at
the trial before you answer questions.
4. Prepare a fact sheet that contains important evidence about your character that
you can use in the trial.
5. Meet with the lawyers to prep. Write down answers and ideas for the questions
that you know ahead of time.

During the Trial:

1. When you get called up to the stand, you will introduce yourself and read the
biography you have written about yourself.
2. You will be answering a total of 6 questions. Three of these questions come from
your side of the case, and these questions will be given to you by the lawyers of your
side. However, three of the questions come from the opposite side of the case, and
you will not be given those ahead of time, so you will need to do your best to be
prepared and anticipate their questions.

Post Trial:
1. You did it! Good work. Complete your reflection sheet.
 Jury/Backup Witness Task Card
Pre-Trial
You are acting as a backup witness for a certain character in the rare case that they are
absent. To prepare for this you will:
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the witnesses and the jury.
2. Research your character to learn as much as you can about them. The more
information you know, the easier it will be to answer questions during the trial.
3. Write a short, one paragraph biography about your character. You will read this at
the trial before you answer questions.
4. Prepare a fact sheet that contains important evidence about your character that
you can use in the trial.
5. Meet with the lawyers to prep. Write down answers and ideas for the questions
that you know ahead of time.

During the Trial

1. You will take notes on each witness and their responses throughout the trial.
2. When the trial is finished, you and the other jury members will leave the room and
discuss whether or not you think Christopher Columbus is a hero or a villain.
3. When you have reached a decision, the jury members will re-enter the room and
share their verdict. At this time, individual jury members can share their thoughts
about the case.
4. If you DO have to act as a witness, you will read their biography and answer the six
questions. You will not take notes during the trial, vote on the outcome of the case,
or write the one page essay.

Post Trial
1. After the case is closed, you are required to write a one page report that describes
what happened during the trial, how you voted, whether or not Columbus is a hero
or a villain, and explain how you made your decision. You can use the parts from your
notes to justify your reasoning.
 Judge Task Card
Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the judges role. Write down specific
phrases that you will need to say.
2. Research sidebars, and objections-what are they and how can the judge respond?
3. Watch mock trial video clips to get a sense of the trial proceedings and take notes.

During the Trial

1. Give welcome and opening statements
2. Listen to all the evidence and take notes
3. Respond to sidebars and objections as you see fit
4. Deliver instructions to the jury

Post Trial
1. After the case is closed, you are required to write a one page report that describes
what happened during the trial. Do you agree or disagree with the jury’s verdict. If
they voted Columbus guilty, what you give as a sentence (punishment).

Judge Task Card

Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the judges role. Write down specific
phrases that you will need to say.
2. Research sidebars, and objections-what are they and how can the judge respond?
3. Watch mock trial video clips to get a sense of the trial proceedings and take notes.

During the Trial

1. Give welcome and opening statements
2. Listen to all the evidence and take notes
3. Respond to sidebars and objections as you see fit
4. Deliver instructions to the jury

Post Trial
1. After the case is closed, you are required to write a one page report that describes
what happened during the trial. Do you agree or disagree with the jury’s verdict. If
they voted Columbus guilty, what you give as a sentence (punishment).
 Bailiff Task Card
Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the bailiff and the clerk (you will do both
of these jobs). Write down anything specific you need to say.
2. Complete NearPod lesson “The Columbus Controversy”

During the Trial

1. Bring in all witnesses to the courtroom.
2. Swear in all witnesses.
3. Watch the defendant
4. Lead the jury out of the room for deliberation and keep watch
5. Lead the jury into the courtroom to deliver the verdict.

Post Trial
1. After the case is closed, you are required to write a one page report that describes
what happened during the trial. Do you agree or disagree with the jury’s verdict. If
they voted Columbus guilty, what you give as a sentence (punishment).

Bailiff Task Card

Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the bailiff and the clerk (you will do both
of these jobs). Write down anything specific you need to say.
2. Complete NearPod lesson “The Columbus Controversy”

During the Trial

1. Bring in all witnesses to the courtroom.
2. Swear in all witnesses.
3. Watch the defendant
4. Lead the jury out of the room for deliberation and keep watch
5. Lead the jury into the courtroom to deliver the verdict.

Post Trial
1. After the case is closed, you are required to write a one page report that describes
what happened during the trial. Do you agree or disagree with the jury’s verdict. If
they voted Columbus guilty, what you give as a sentence (punishment).
 Court Reporter Task Card
Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the court reporter’s role. Write down
anything specific you need to say.
2. Complete the NearPod lesson “The Columbus Controversy”

During the Trial

1. Write a transcript to the best of your ability on everything said and done during the
trial. You can use whatever program you like best.

Post Trial
1. Share your transcript with Mrs. Jacobs.
2. Write a newspaper article about the trial.
Court Reporter Task Card
Pre-Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the court reporter’s role. Write down
anything specific you need to say.
2. Complete the NearPod lesson “The Columbus Controversy”

During the Trial

1. Write a transcript to the best of your ability on everything said and done during the
trial. You can use whatever program you like best.

Post Trial
1. Share your transcript with Mrs. Jacobs.
2. Write a newspaper article about the trial.
 Defendant Task Card
Pre Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the defendant’s role.
2. Meet with the Defense Team to share your side of the story and any evidence you
have
3. Decide if you will testify or not. If you will testify, prep your answers with the
defense team.
4. Write a speech to give at a press conference if you are found guilty.
5. Write a speech to give at a press conference if you are found not guilty.

During the Trial

1. Listen to the evidence and take notes
2. Answer questions if you decide to testify

Post Trial
1. Deliver your press conference speech.
Defendant Task Card
Pre Trial
1. Read the mock trial script and take note of the defendant’s role.
2. Meet with the Defense Team to share your side of the story and any evidence you
have
3. Decide if you will testify or not. If you will testify, prep your answers with the
defense team.
4. Write a speech to give at a press conference if you are found guilty.
5. Write a speech to give at a press conference if you are found not guilty.

During the Trial

1. Listen to the evidence and take notes
2. Answer questions if you decide to testify

Post Trial
1. Deliver your press conference speech.