Ms. Coughlin’s Social Studies Topics’ students conducted Eli Whitney’s first Mock Trial this year. Students worked cooperatively to compose opening statements, direct and cross examination questions as well as closing arguments. Once the facts of the case had been examined, students were assigned key roles in the mock trial. Students played parts of the prosecution, the defense attorneys, the jury, witnesses, the bailiff and media. Ms. Coughlin presided as the judge. “The Mock Trial was a success. I feel that the students came a way with a life long lesson in accountability, responsibility and cooperation. The Mock Trial also helped to reinforce many of the topics, roles and responsibilities of our legal system studied in the curriculum. I was pleased with their enthusiasm and performance!”
In
The People v. Thomas Wade Carter, the defendant Thomas Wade Carter
was charged with first degree murder after fatally shooting a
4-year-old girl. The defense tried to prove that Carter shot the victim accidently and never intended to harm anyone. The prosecution attempted to prove that Thomas Wade Carter intended to harm someone when and the victim happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Since the defendant did not deny shooting the gun or being at the scene, there was no doubt that he was guilty. However,
the jury had to decide whether he was guilty of second degree
murder or involuntary manslaughter.
Based
on the facts, the jury found, Thomas Wade Carter, guilty of second
degree murder. |
