A Caseload of History Lessons in Middle School Mock Trials

Mock trials have been going on all week in our eighth-grade history classes as courtroom drama played out over an animal rights protest that took place in front of a fur store.

According to history teacher Bud Kohler, the staging of a mock trial in order that students learn about the legal system has been an annual tradition in the Middle School since 2013. This year’s case focused on a protest and the First Amendment, said Mr. Kohler, who first developed the project in conjunction with history teacher Chase duPont 2002. The initiative has been tweaked over the years by history teacher Kevin Warnock.

“Students are assigned roles as witnesses and lawyers, and each witness actually has some extra key information that can be revealed through good examination questions,” explained Mr. Kohler.

Six Middle School faculty members signed on to play witnesses: Olivia Wall as the defendant and leader of the protest accused of disturbing the peace and vandalism; Kevin Warnock as Eli Koats, fur store proprietor; Brian Christman as police officer Billy Clubb who must decide if the protest is getting out of hand; Arijan Ager as Anita Pickett, an intense protestor; Margarita Kuhn as Ima Richie, an aristocratic patron of the fur store; and Jim Craddock as deli owner and key eye witness Cole Cutts.

With no predetermined verdict, the trial can go either way and is dependent on the quality of the questioning and evidence students are able to uncover through the witnesses’ testimony. In preparation for the entire undertaking, students studied an actual case that provided the precedent guidelines for peaceful protest. 

After initially reading up on the mock case, students were assigned an Opening Statement essay as if each was the lead attorney in the case. Lawyers then carefully prepared witness examination sheets with questions, as well as the answers they hoped to hear, in order to build their case. Students also learned the language of the courts to register legitimate objections during testimony.

“In the pictures, you can see Margarita and Jim decided to add some flair to the proceedings. Margarita appeared in court wearing an elegant fur coat, while Jim donned a deli apron and created a poster for some free advertising. It's been a great experience to enjoy such a collaboration,” said Mr. Kohler.

Middle School Director Brian Christman noted that students in both seventh- and eighth-grade usually participate in several mock trials throughout their time in the Middle School because of the many skills acquired from such an exercise.

“One of the most important, elemental middle school skills is the ability to use evidence effectively to build an argument. A mock trial is the perfect opportunity to perfect this crucial skill while also honing public speaking skills. Students also must learn to react to new information and new arguments as they come to light in a trial. There is so much to be gained, and it's a fun format as well,” said Mr. Christman.