History:
Simulated Trial Portfolio Instructions
Directions: For this portfolio, you will create a jury's verdict based on information
provided in an imaginary court case.
Step 1
Choose a fairy tale or other children's story on which to base the elements of your
case. For example, you could use "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," which would
serve to furnish an outline for a criminal case or civil suit. List the characters who
will be involved in the criminal or civil case. Tell what incident in the story the trial
will cover.
Step 2
Decide if the trial will be a criminal case or a civil suit. For example, Goldilocks
could be sued in a civil case for damages done to the Bear family's belongings, or
Goldilocks could be charge in a criminal case with burglary. On the other hand, the
bears could be charged in a criminal case with attempted murder. Explain why the
case is either criminal or civil.
Step 3
After deciding on what type of case, decide what evidence will be introduced by the
prosecuting attorney or the plaintiff. Decide what evidence will be offered by the
defendant's attorney. Be sure to include what witnesses will be called and what
evidence they will provide.
Step 4
Put yourself into the juror's role and decide what the verdict will be. For example,
will you find Goldilocks guilty of burglary? Explain how the burden of proof was met
by the prosecuting attorney and the evidence leads to a guilty verdict. Will you find
Goldilocks liable for the damages she inflicted on the bears' property? How much
money will she be required to pay the bears, if she is liable? Or, if the bears are
guilty of attempted murder, how did the evidence show their guilt?
Step 5
Complete the portfolio worksheet to submit for a grade. Make sure that you have
clearly outlined the information for your criminal or civil case