Order is called to the court, and murmurs of opinions are quelled as a defense attorney questions their witness. The setting not, however, a courtroom, but rather in Jordana Siebert’s eighth period Civics class.
After a recent trip to the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, FC Civics classes are putting their lessons to use through mock trials. In Siebert’s eighth period class, the four-day trial will end Nov. 4. Soon after, Bible and Civics teacher Robert Foshee will host the trial in his first period class.
“I have always wanted to do a mock trial in my class,” Siebert said. “At my high school there was a mock trial team, and they actually went to competitions, and were really good. As soon as I knew I had a Civics class I was sure I would be doing it. Mock trials have been around high schools for years, and I was so excited to have my own classroom to do it in!”
The plot revolves around the death of a college student who fell from a clock tower. Witnesses and defendants are called to share their sides of the story to get the attorneys and judge to the root of the case.
Recognizing the effective learning techniques of interactivity, Siebert chose to create her lesson outside of the textbook and give her students a chance to put it into action.
“Learning about how a trial works is one thing, but doing one really can help students learn because it is so much more engaging to be a part of something,” Siebert said. “It is very beneficial for the students to do an interactive activity, because they are building their cases on their own, taking responsibility for the characters they are playing, and are all around involved in what is going on in class.”
Although junior John-Paul Caprioglio is not in the class, he has sat in on the mock trials, and considers it a useful project.
“I believe it is helpful because it is something to get involved in rather than listening to a lecture,” Caprioglio said. “It makes the student participate, allowing him or her to get the full experience out of it.”
By following up on the class’ trip to the courthouse by acting out the process, Siebert aims to make an impact on her students’ understanding of law.
“I have already began to see the two activities work hand and hand,” Siebert said. “Typically, anything that is outside of the norm of the classroom is captivating. Students remembered the court cases they saw from the field trip, and continued to talk about them, and even starting our court case have said things like, ‘Our attorneys are even better than the ones down at the courthouse.'”
After selecting the project, Siebert faced the technicalities of assembling each detail. Although she found it difficult to choose just one student for each role, she searched for those who would be enthusiastic to participate, and for students who would take interesting angles on their roles.
When Siebert introduced the process in class, she presented students with their roles and the necessary materials pertaining to their part. Though they were not required to memorize the packets, the students became familiar with all of the facts and details.
“Their jobs all varied,” Siebert said. “There is a judge, clerk, bailiff, court reporter, attorneys, witnesses and a jury. We spent a whole day talking about how the trial would go, the different roles that each student would be playing and how the court room procedures would be happening.”
According to Siebert, students have taken the project seriously, and have become creative and thoughtful with their roles. As a result, the trials are not only educational, but amusing.
“Multiple students have come up to me asking questions about their roles, ideas about how they are going to convince the jury of their point or ultimately going to win the case,” Siebert said. “The students have really nailed the parts and studied their characters. I have been very impressed with some of the attorney’s arguments and how they are handling their witnesses. It has really exceeded my expectations.”
In the role of the judge, senior Katelyn Miller is responsible for creating a part in addition to watching others.
“I get to call the court to order, read the verdict, call prosecutors and respond to objections,” Miller said. “Even though it’s not real, the case has become really serious and everyone is into it. There have also been a lot of laughs as well. Everyone in the class would much rather do this than lectures. Everyone is involved and look like they’re having fun.”
In two of the most active roles in the mock trials, seniors Brooke Stobbe and Trevor York portray the two attorneys. According to Miller, York has demonstrated impressive ability and understanding in his tasks.
“Trevor is a great prosecuting attorney,” Miller said. “He is very convincing and often catches the witnesses stumbling on their stories.”
Though Caprioglio was not present for the first trial and is not a member of the class, he did not find it difficult to follow the events. Instead, he enjoyed the trial and looks forward to more, especially when he takes the class.
“The acting was very well done and made me feel as if I really were in a real trial,” Caprioglio said. “Nobody disappointed, and I look forward to seeing the next one. I would very much like to participate. I think it will be both a learning experience and an entertaining one.”
For more information on Civics, read the Oct. 28 article, Courthouse visit encourages civic learning.
