Process
The class is divided into three teams. The plaintiff team, the defense team, and the Jury. Each of these teams is crucial to the operation of the American Justice system.
The plaintiff team includes the person bringing the legal action (making the complaint) and his or her attorneys. In the complaint, the plaintiff states, or alleges, that he or she was injured by the conduct of another. The plaintiff usually is represented by a lawyer.
The defendant is the individual sued by the plaintiff. The defendant usually is also represented by a lawyer. The defendant disputes the statements, or allegations, in the plaintiff's complaint or may admit the allegations, but argue that he or she has a valid defense to the claims such as self defense.
The jury is a group of ordinary citizens selected to decide the case. A jury usually is made up of a group of six or twelve individuals, depending on state law. In most states, a jury must reach a unanimous verdict. That is, all members of the jury must agree with the decision. Some states allow for less than a unanimous verdict in some civil cases. If less than the required number of jurors agree, then the jury is a "hung jury." That means that the jury was unable to reach a decision. In that case, the case can be tried again.
The jury is a group of ordinary citizens selected to decide the case. A jury usually is made up of a group of six or twelve individuals, depending on state law. In most states, a jury must reach a unanimous verdict. That is, all members of the jury must agree with the decision. Some states allow for less than a unanimous verdict in some civil cases. If less than the required number of jurors agree, then the jury is a "hung jury." That means that the jury was unable to reach a decision. In that case, the case can be tried again.
If any one of these teams either is missing or fails to do its job well, the judicial system will break down.
Research
Searching for good information requires effort and focus. The Websites listed below will give you a variety of sources from which to get your information. Remember to always be suspicious of information unless you know you can trust the source (like an encyclopedia) or can verify it from at least a second source.
The Trial
The trial is your opportunity to show how well (or how poorly) you have prepared for your role. Witnesses will be expected to assume their character's personality and answer the question that they are asked. You are responsible for knowing your character's story and answering the questions as well as you can without being inconsistent.
Attorneys are expected to be prepared with an opening statement that clearly previews the testimony of the witnesses you will call. Your questions will be designed to make your version of event believable and logical