Dividing into groups
Trial simulation must be conceived so as to involve as many pupils as possible in the
preparation and carrying out. This is accomplished by ensuring that every participant
understands the facts and the law, which must be identified both by the prosecution and
the defence. Then groups of prosecutors, lawyers for the defence, and judges receive the
fundamental information to prepare their questions, arguments, verdicts. The best way to
do this is by asking participants to identify the aspects of each statement that can be used
either by the prosecution or the defence, then write them down for further use in
elaborating the questions, arguments, verdicts.
Participants may be divided into four teams: witnesses, judges, prosecutors, and defence.
Parts can be distributed for other actors involved in the trial: the bailiff (the person
introducing witnesses into the courtroom), or the secretary for the judge (the person
handing pieces of the file to the judge).
Each team can have other members who can help formulate questions – with different
roles in testing questions – and elaborate the closing argument. In case the teams agree,
these extra members could play the role of bailiff or keep track of the time spent on each
activity. Whoever does not have the opportunity of taking part in the simulation can play
the part of reporters or observers (audience, press).
Preparing questions and arguments for the role-play
Participants should work in teams to prepare the questions that each designated person
will have to ask the defendant or the witnesses. Prosecutors and lawyers for the defence
must assist those team members that have been assigned to make the opening and closing
arguments. Judges have to prepare the questions for the defendant and the witnesses,
while another judge will have to give the verdict.
Once the participants are ready, the trial simulation should not last more than an hour.
This is ensured by setting a strict timing for each participant.
Instructions for the president of the court, the secretary for the judge, and the bailiff
The president of the court, the secretary for the judge, and the bailiff must receive
instructions so as to be properly acquainted with their parts.
Trial simulation
The stages of a trial simulation must be explained and handed to the participants in the
form of a written text, before the simulation begins.
The room should be similar to a courtroom: the desk of the judge placed by the front wall,
in the middle; the bailiff and the secretary for the judge sit behind the desk in front of the
judge; the witness box to the right of the judge; the defendant next to the defence team
behind a desk in front of the judge, to the right; and the audience behind the prosecution
and the defence teams.
The secretary should assist the judge, the prosecutor and the lawyers by indicating how
long they have left after each stage of the trial. For example, the timing to: