Download - Mock Trial Basics
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By: Margaret Flynt, Esq.
Mock Trial Basics
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The Purpose of Law
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Georgia Court System Magistrate
County courts that issue warrants, hear minor criminal offenses, and civil claims of $15K or less
Probate Wills and administration of decedents’ estates
Juvenile State
Jurisdiction within one county. Misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and civil matters not reserved for superior courts.
Superior Civil and criminal jurisdiction. Felony trials.
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Henry County Superior Court
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Georgia Court of Appeals Court of “first review” for many civil
and criminal cases. Corrects errors of law at trial level. Does not alter jury verdicts or bench
trials.
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Georgia Supreme Court State’s highest court Reviews criminal and civil cases
decided by a trial court or by the Court of Appeals
All constitutional questions and all death penalty cases.
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United States Supreme Court
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Solutions Provided by Law Clarification of rights of the parties Determination of Right and Wrong Determination of Guilt or Innocence Direct one party to compensate
another Fine and/or sentence as punishment
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Settling Disputes Without a Trial
1) Negotiation
2) Mediation
3) Arbitration
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What is a Trial? “Adversary process” “Impartial” third party—Judge or Jury Bench trial: Judge is “trier of fact”
and “trier of law” Jury Trial: Judge is “trier of law” and
jury is “trier of fact”
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The Parties
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The Facts of the Case A disagreement over the facts of an
incident forms the basis for a trial. “Trier of fact” determines which
version of facts is correct.
Raffles v. Wichelhaus, 2 H. & C. 906, 159 Eng. Rep. 373 (Ex. 1864).
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Evidence Testimony
Documents
Physical Evidence
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Burden of Proof (Criminal) The State (prosecutor) has the
burden. “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”
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Burden of Proof (Civil) Plaintiff has the burden. “By a preponderance of the
evidence.” “More likely than not.” 51%
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Defense Present evidence that prevents the
plaintiff or prosecutor from meeting the burden of proof. Alternative explanation Alibi Self-defense Insanity
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Discovery
Affidavits Written statements of
the facts, made and voluntarily sworn to, usually before a notary or other person who can administer oaths
Deposition Testimony given out of
court. Attorneys for both
sides are usually present
Recorded by a court reporter for later use in court.
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Trial Order
Overall Structure1. Plaintiff Opening
Statement2. Defense Opening
Statement3. Testimony of
Witnesses4. Closing Arguments5. Deliberation
Testimony of Witnesses Direct of P witnesses Cross by D of P
witnesses Redirect of P
witnesses P rests case. Direct of D witnesses Cross by P of D
witnesses Redirect of D
witnesses D rests case
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Courtroom Layout
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Storytelling Theory of the Case
Facts beyond dispute
Law Common sense Emotionally Leads a jury/judge To your conclusion.
Theme of the Case Word, phrase, or
sentence Controlling or
dominant emotion of the case
Brief and easily remembered
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Theory of the Case When called into the Quik Trip, John
was shocked to discover his friend, Paul, had shot the Quik Trip clerk and was now pointing a gun at him. Terrified and confused, John, fearing for his life, obeyed Paul’s commands to take the money and give it to Paul. Under these circumstances, John is not guilty of any crime because he was coerced into participating in the robbery.
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Theme of the Case Frightened, forced, and falsely
accused Frightened, forced, and framed Coerced to crime Two Victims Unwilling Accomplice Puppet of Fear