Mock Trials: Who Killed the Teacher? Did Steve Jobs Steal the Apple?

The judge and jury listen while a lawyer speaks.
The court reporter takes notes.
One of the side of the courtroom has
the defendant and the defending attorney.
The other side has the District Attorney.
 

With Teacher Vasyl's help,
the Advanced ESL Conversation Class 
held two mock trials
this week.


What is a mock trial? 

Mock = pretend, not real, fake, copy

Trial = legal event in a courtroom.  Is someone innocent or guilty?  Did they do something bad?

Law students hold mock trials to practice for real trials.

ESL students hold mock trials to practice their English and learn about the legal system in the US.



In a mock trial, everyone has a part:

Defendant - the person charged with the crime.  S/he is innocent until proven guilty.  Did s/he do it?

Lawyers - the D.A. (District Attorney) says someone is guilty
               - the Defense Attorney defends the person charged with the crime

Witnesses - people who saw the crime or have information about the crime or the defendant

Jury - 12 people decide guilty or not guilty

Judge - the "boss" of the trial who keeps order





Lawyers must choose their words carefully and be very convincing.

Before a witness gives testimony, they must be sworn in,
promising to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.



Trials can be very tense or very boring.
No matter what, the judge and jury must pay attention.

There were two trials:
1. Who killed Teacher Vasyl?    

He was  poisoned at break time.
Objections, witnesses sworn in and testified, cross examinations.
The defendant was found innocent by the jury.
 So who killed him ?   We still don't know!


2. Adam from the Bible sued Steve Jobs of Apple

Adam sued Steve Jobs for using the image of an apple with a bite taken out of it as his company logo.
Adam claimed the image has belonged to him and Eve since " the beginning."
Eve testified. Princess Snow White from Disneyland also testified on their behalf.                 
Steve  Jobs made an eloquent  speech.
Adam was awarded 2 $ billion in damages. The court erupted in rage.
They viewed this as too little.





Innocent or guilty - the big question in a trial



Listen closely - who speaks the truth?