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...
Step 1
Story: "Cinderella"
Characters: Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, Evil Stepfamily
Incident: The trial will cover the mistreatment and abuse Cinderella received from her evil stepfamily.
Step 2
Type of Case: Civil Suit
Explanation: The case will be a civil suit for emotional distress and damages suffered by Cinderella due to the actions of her evil stepfamily.
Step 3
Evidence:
- Testimony from Cinderella detailing the abuse she suffered
- Witnesses who observed the mistreatment
- Fairy Godmother's testimony of the transformation of Cinderella for the ball
- Evidence of the neglect and mistreatment found in Cinderella's living conditions
Defense:
- Testimony from the evil stepfamily denying the allegations
- Attempt to discredit Cinderella's character
Step 4
Verdict: The jury finds in favor of Cinderella. The burden of proof was met by the plaintiff with overwhelming evidence of the mistreatment and abuse suffered by Cinderella. Cinderella is awarded restitution for emotional distress and damages suffered.
Step 5
Complete the portfolio worksheet with the details of the case, evidence, and verdict for submission. Make sure to provide a clear and detailed explanation of the civil suit based on the story of "Cinderella."
Make it about star wars
Step 1
Story: "Star Wars"
Characters: Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo
Incident: The trial will cover the actions of Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and his transformation to the dark side, leading to his role in the Empire's oppressive rule.
Step 2
Type of Case: Criminal Case
Explanation: The case will be a criminal trial for Darth Vader's involvement in the destruction of planets, murder of innocent civilians, and his role in the Empire's crimes against the galaxy.
Step 3
Evidence:
- Testimony from Princess Leia and Han Solo about Darth Vader's actions and his affiliation with the Empire
- Testimony from Luke Skywalker about the revelation of Darth Vader's true identity as his father
- Evidence of Darth Vader's past as Anakin Skywalker and his fall to the dark side
- Witness accounts of the destruction caused by Darth Vader's actions
Defense:
- Attempt to argue Darth Vader's actions were influenced by the Emperor and his manipulation
- Present evidence of Darth Vader's redemption and sacrifice for his son, Luke Skywalker
Step 4
Verdict: The jury finds Darth Vader guilty of his crimes. The burden of proof was met by the prosecuting attorney with substantial evidence of Darth Vader's actions and role in the Empire's crimes. Despite his redemption, Darth Vader is held accountable for his crimes and sentenced accordingly.
Step 5
Complete the portfolio worksheet with the details of the case, evidence, and verdict for submission. Ensure a comprehensive explanation of the criminal case based on the story of "Star Wars".
Name of the children's story or fairy tale upon which trial will be based. who are the major characters? what was the incident that will go trial?
The children's story or fairy tale upon which the trial will be based is "The Three Little Pigs."
Major characters:
1. The Three Little Pigs (Porky, Percy, and Petunia)
2. The Big Bad Wolf
Incident that will go to trial:
The trial will cover the Big Bad Wolf's actions of blowing down the houses of the Three Little Pigs and attempting to harm them. The pigs will bring charges against the wolf for destruction of property, attempted harm, and endangerment.
but about star wars
Star Wars: A New Hope
Major Characters:
1. Luke Skywalker
2. Princess Leia
3. Darth Vader
4. Han Solo
Incident that will go to trial:
The trial will cover the Empire's destruction of the planet Alderaan and the deaths of millions of innocent civilians. The Rebel Alliance, represented by Princess Leia, will bring charges against Darth Vader and the Empire for war crimes, genocide, and mass murder.
Type of case- civil or criminal explain which and why
Type of Case: Criminal
Explanation: The case will be a criminal trial as it involves serious criminal charges such as war crimes, genocide, and mass murder which are considered criminal offenses. The charges against Darth Vader and the Empire are of a criminal nature due to the severity of their actions and the significant harm caused to innocent civilians. Criminal cases are pursued to hold individuals or entities accountable for violating laws and causing harm to others, in this case, the Empire's actions resulted in the destruction of an entire planet and the loss of countless lives.