Mock+Trial

=Mock Trial=

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Malden High School Mock Trial Team  2011-2012

2011-2012 Mock Trail Case Summary
This year’s mock trial case is ripped right from the headlines of recent events. It involves an issue that everyone in our school community has become very aware of over recent years, **bullying**. This case is the story of young student who, due to the death of both of his parents, is forced to move in with his sister and attend a tight knit, high end, private high school. Already suffering from the loss of his parents, Alex Soltin’s troubles get worse when he meets a gang of students at the school who begin to tease and harass him. This treatment continues and escalates to the point that Alex believes that he is being bullied. This bullying culminates in an event on the school football field in which is Alex physically attacked by the bullies, while others look on. This attack causes the already troubled Alex to have a mental breakdown. He is brought to a psychiatric hospital, where he remains to this day. Angry about the treatment of her brother and the lack of any response by the school, Bonnie Soltin decides to file a civil law suit against the school and Alex’s teacher Annie Sway. The plaintiff, Soltin, believes that the school and the teacher did not do enough to protect her fragile brother. The lawsuit with the school is quickly settled and Sway remains the sole defendant in the case. This is a case dealing with negligence. What did the teacher know? When did she know it? What did she do about what she knew? Did her action, or inaction, cause the defendants mental breakdown? These are the legal questions before the court. The Malden High School Mock trial team is currently preparing arguments in favor of the plaintiff Bonnie Soltin and in defense of Annie Sway. The case heads to court in late January of 2012.

Mock Trial Level: Honors
This course will prepare students to participate in the statewide mock trial competition conducted annually by the Massachusetts Bar Association. Students will explore various topics relating to the functions of the court system of Massachusetts. These topics will include Massachusetts court system structure, jurisdiction, and the difference between criminal and civil law. In preparation for the competition, the students will use critical thinking skills to analyze physical evidence and witness affidavits. They will work together as a class to construct sound legal arguments supporting and attacking both sides of the given case. The students will write opening and closing statements, as well direct and cross examination questions. Students will be selected to participate in the competition as either witnesses or attorneys. Through the preparation and trials students will become familiar with trial procedure, rules of evidence and courtroom decorum. Students who enroll in the course should have an interest in the criminal justice system and a desire to use public speaking skills. Juniors and Seniors. 25 student cap
 * 1) 02972 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)

Rick Tivnan

2011-2012 Mock Trial Case Packet