Molly Bannaky BookcoverPROJECT: MOCK TRIALS

Molly Bannaky stood before the court for “stealing” a pail of milk.

Many lawyers have undergraduate English degrees. Moreover, the focus of the Common Core Standard is workplace skills. The purpose of the mock trials is to have students be able to work and argue coherently in the courtroom.

For our mock trials, students researched famous trials.  They pretended to be the accused and presented their case to the judge and jury.  After each presentation by the accused, the jury convened and the judge pronounced the verdict, using the information and today’s laws.

Getting ready for mock trials.

Mahatma Gandhi risked imprisonment for leading campaigns from foreign domination.  Gandhi was a practitioner of non-violence and truth, and advocated that others do the same.  His action eventually led his country of India to independence.  He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

On March 18th 1922, Mahatma Gandhi entered the Central Hall of the Government Circuit House at Ahmedabad, India to face a trial.

Presenting the case while jury seated around the judge.
Presiding over the judge.
Deliberating
Through these mock trials, students learned about the judicial system and famous historical figures, as well as how laws have changed throughout history.