The idea of a mock trail for children in preschool through primary grades is one way to teach how the judicial system works. Each case can come from fairy tales, San Diego City Schools suggest, such as Gold E. Locks on trial for criminal trespass or the Giant could sue Jack concerning the beanstalk. Parts of the process including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence and witness are acceptable for kids to participate. For evidence, ask the children to make the items or create drawings. They may form groups to come up with opening statements.
Cases for high school students may be involve more adult topics, such as murder or drug use. They can touch on topics affecting teens directly. This also gives the students a chance to voice their opinions on issues at school like dress code violations or the legality of prohibiting self expression through clothing. A jury can come from members of other classes, school staff or other available teachers who don't currently have a class at that time.
There are competitions for mock trails that divide into elementary, middle school, high school and college level groups, the American Bar Association states. Cases for the competition correspond to the appropriate grade level with organizations like the American Bar Association providing ideas. Examples of cases to argue involve constitutional rights of citizens or criminal cases for middle school to high school students. Many times a school will assemble to team and go through practices to ensure that their group is ready for the event.
Law schools conduct mock trials as a training tool for their students. Some colleges and universities compete against each other in mock trial events. Ideas for cases come from complex issues such as Supreme Court decisions. Students prepare beforehand in the actual way they will before cases using methods such as research and witness interviews. Lawyers as well as judges may offer their services to help the students with the trial or preparation.