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Suggested Book to Read for Mock Trial Help
Published on 2012-05-22 23:44:14
I came across a book recently that I would like to recommend for mock trial students, teachers and coaches. The book is The Articulate Advocate by Brian Johnson and Marsha Hunter. While my blog is intended to provide some real basic tips for high school students, this book will help the serious mock trial competitors. [...] > read more
Mock Trial Questions Answered Here! What do you need to know?
Published on 2012-01-14 12:21:31
I am not sure what to write about next. I have covered prosecutor’s opening, defense opening, prosecutor closings, defense closing, leading questions, cross exams for lawyers and witnesses, general tips for witnesses, and dealing with forgetful witnesses, and hearsay, etc. I need the readers to give me some feedback in terms of what other questions [...] > read more
Mock Trial Closing Arguments for the Defense Attorney
Published on 2011-10-02 22:50:36
As you probably have already learned, the defense attorney delivers his or her closing argument after the prosecutor speaks. In addition, since the prosecutor has the burden of proof, he or she is allowed to speak again after the defense counsel speaks. The mock trial defense lawyer only has one opportunity to speak. Unlike a [...] > read more
Mock Trial Closing Arguments for Prosecution
Published on 2011-09-13 23:10:41
So you are nearing the end of your mock trial, and now it is time for you to do your closing argument. Hopefully you have given this a little thought before it is your turn to get up and speak. Unlike an opening statement, which can be written entirely in advance, the closing argument has [...] > read more
Mock Trial Opening Statements for the Defense Lawyer
Published on 2011-01-31 00:23:35
I wrote last month about presenting a mock trial opening statement for a prosecutor, so this post will deal with an opening statement for a defense lawyer. Before I launch into my suggestions, let’s talk a little bit about what the role of a defense lawyer is in a trial. The defense lawyer’s job is [...] > read more
Mock Trial Opening Statements for the Defense Lawyer
Published on 2011-01-31 00:23:35
I wrote last month about presenting a mock trial opening statement for a prosecutor, so this post will deal with an opening statement for a defense lawyer. Before I launch into my suggestions, let’s talk a little bit about what the role of a de > read more
Mock Trial Opening Statements for The Prosecutor.
Published on 2010-12-25 16:00:55
Volunteering to present the opening statement for your mock trial team poses a challenge. It may mean that you are the first to speak in the entire competition. To review, let’s go over the order of a trial again. First the prosecutor gives an opening, then the defense, then the prosecutor calls her witnesses, the [...] > read more
Mock Trial Opening Statements for The Prosecutor.
Published on 2010-12-25 16:00:55
Volunteering to present the opening statement for your mock trial team poses a challenge. It may mean that you are the first to speak in the entire competition. To review, let’s go over the order of a trial again. First the prosecutor giv > read more
Decoding the “leading question” objection.
Published on 2010-11-03 22:32:05
Mock trail competitors often struggle with the concept of the leading question. Lawyers also struggle with this. Everyone has heard of the courtroom objection, but it is difficult to define when a question is “leading” and when it is not. It is often said by lawyers that a leading question is a “question that suggests [...] > read more
Decoding the “leading question” objection.
Published on 2010-11-03 22:32:05
Mock trail competitors often struggle with the concept of the leading question. Lawyers also struggle with this. Everyone has heard of the courtroom objection, but it is difficult to define when a question is “leading” and when it is not. > read more
Preparing for that Big Mock Trial Cross-Examination, Part II (For Witnesses)
Published on 2010-10-09 23:59:25
Let’s face it, it is not pleasant to be cross-examined. The witness is at a disadvantage. The lawyer has the element of surprise. He or she knows in advance what they are going to ask. The witness does not. Here are some tips to help you get through a mock trial cross-examine. 1. Know your [...] > read more
Preparing for that Big Mock Trial Cross-Examination, Part II (For Witnesses)
Published on 2010-10-09 23:59:25
Let’s face it, it is not pleasant to be cross-examined. The witness is at a disadvantage. The lawyer has the element of surprise. He or she knows in advance what they are going to ask. The witness does not. Here are some tips to help you get th > read more
Preparing for that Big Mock Trial Cross-Examination, Part I (For Lawyers)
Published on 2010-09-19 19:29:10
When it comes to courtroom drama, there is nothing quite like the cross-examination. The closing argument usually includes an attention-getting, impassioned plea to the jury, but let’s face it, the closing argument sometimes can sound a little rehearsed. A cross-examination can never be rehearsed. You can prepare for the cross exam, but you never have [...] > read more
Preparing for that Big Mock Trial Cross-Examination, Part I (For Lawyers)
Published on 2010-09-19 19:29:10
When it comes to courtroom drama, there is nothing quite like the cross-examination. The closing argument usually includes an attention-getting, impassioned plea to the jury, but let’s face it, the closing argument sometimes can sound a lit > read more
What is “Hearsay” in a Mock Trial?
Published on 2010-09-15 22:46:16
What is hearsay? In life, as in the courtroom, people like to make decisions based on first hand information. Outside the law, people will often discount as “hearsay” information that is unreliable that they have heard from other people. So too, in law, lawyers try to make sure that information comes directly from people first [...] > read more
What is “Hearsay” in a Mock Trial?
Published on 2010-09-15 22:46:16
What is hearsay? In life, as in the courtroom, people like to make decisions based on first hand information. Outside the law, people will often discount as “hearsay” information that is unreliable that they have heard from other peop > read more
Coping With Forgetful Witnesses in a Mock Trial
Published on 2010-06-19 12:46:34
Whether in a real life trial, or a mock trial, witnesses tend to forget some of the facts of a case. There is a specific way to handle such circumstances. Below is a basic outline that lawyers follow in court. In a mock trial, it is important to stay in character. REFRESHING A WITNESS’S RECOLLECTION [...] > read more
Coping With Forgetful Witnesses in a Mock Trial
Published on 2010-06-19 12:46:34
Whether in a real life trial, or a mock trial, witnesses tend to forget some of the facts of a case. There is a specific way to handle such circumstances. Below is a basic outline that lawyers follow in court. In a mock trial, it is important t > read more
Tips for Mock Trial Witnesses
Published on 2010-05-08 21:38:45
So you opted to be a witness in the mock trial rather than a lawyer? Uh-oh. Lawyers only have to ask a bunch of questions. Thats easy. As a witness, you need to have all the answers. Here are a few tips to survive the ritual of a senior year > read more