History:
Simulated Trial Portfolio
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. IN 3 SENTENCES.
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. IN 3 SENTENCES.
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? IN 4 SENTENCES.
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. IN 3 SENTENCES.
Step 1: The chosen fairy tale for this simulated trial portfolio is "Cinderella." The characters involved will be Cinderella, her evil stepmother, and her stepsisters. The trial will cover the incident of Cinderella being denied access to the royal ball.
Step 2: The trial will be a civil suit as Cinderella is seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by her stepmother and stepsisters. The case is civil because it involves a dispute between individuals rather than a crime committed by one party against another.
Step 3: The prosecuting attorney will introduce evidence such as witness testimonies from Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, and the Prince. They will provide evidence of Cinderella's mistreatment and emotional distress at the hands of her stepfamily. The defendant's attorney will argue that Cinderella willingly accepted her situation and that no damages were actually done.
Step 4: As a juror, I would find in favor of Cinderella and hold her stepmother and stepsisters liable for emotional damages inflicted. The evidence presented by the prosecuting attorney, including witness testimonies and Cinderella's own account, clearly show the mistreatment she endured. Cinderella should be awarded a sum of money to compensate for her emotional distress.
Step 5: The simulated trial portfolio outlines a civil case based on the fairy tale "Cinderella." The characters involved are Cinderella, her evil stepmother, and her stepsisters, and the trial covers the incident of Cinderella being denied access to the royal ball. The case is a civil suit seeking damages for emotional distress caused by the defendants, with evidence presented by the prosecuting attorney and defendant's attorney regarding the mistreatment of Cinderella.