AMTA Criminal Jury Trial Competition Overview
Simulation of a criminal jury trial where students act as attorneys and witnesses in a fictitious jurisdiction called Midlands. This year's case involves the attempted murder of Kerry Bell-Leon, with witness selection varying in each round. Judges play crucial roles in presiding over the trial, scoring it, providing feedback, and reaching a verdict. The trial follows a structured outline with timekeeping rules and specific trial guidelines for both prosecution and defense teams.
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Presentation Transcript
What is this Competition? Simulation of criminal jury trial Students portray attorneys and witnesses School identities remain anonymous until after the trial Fictitious jurisdiction of Midlands Midlands has its own case law Midlands has its own statutes Midlands has its own rules of evidence (that closely mirror the FREs) Midlands is a standing jurisdiction (students are encouraged to use the well during examinations)
This Years Case: State of Midlands v. Dylan Hendricks Summary: Hendricks, who was allegedly having an affair with Carmen Bell-Leon, is charged with the attempted murder of Carmen s spouse, Kerry Bell-Leon Witness selection will vary from round to round The defendant has no affidavit and testimony may vary substantially from round to round All constitutional issues waived; once called, no witness may take the Fifth
What is your role? You are here to judge the competition. You will do so in panels of two or more Judges fill three roles: Preside over the trial (one person per round) Score the trial (two people per round) Provide feedback (everyone) Reach a verdict
Trial Outline AMTA trials consist of: Pre-trial matters (including introductions) Opening statements Prosecution case-in-chief (three witnesses) Customary break (5-7 min.) Defense case-in-chief (three witnesses) Customary (but not mandatory) break (2 5 min.) Closing arguments (including rebuttal)
Timekeeping One student on each team keeps time The trial has a 3-hour time limit Opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments are timed Objections are off the clock Students will inform presider of time limits Please enforce time limits when asked
Trial Rules Both teams MUST: Present opening statements at the start of trial Cross-examine all witnesses called Both teams MAY: Use costuming for witnesses Use demonstratives There are: NO objections to openings or closings NO motions in limine, for a directed verdict, or mistrial NO scope limitations on cross-examination (but scope is limited on re-direct and re-cross examination) NO requirements that expert witnesses be tendered NO binding federal precedents, though there is Midlands case law that the competitors will inform you of if necessary NO restrictions on observers (all trials are public)
Presiding Over the Trial One judge will preside and act as the trial judge Please rule based only on actual arguments in court If in doubt, err on the side of admitting evidence NO questions or objections from the judge Please allow competitors to argue substantive objections at least once per side Midlands rules may differ from ones with which you re familiar Scoring judges need to evaluate the competitors That said, please keep the trial moving
Scoring the Trial Two judges score the trial using this blue (carbon paper) ballot Ballots will be in the courtroom Write your name on all pages Teams receive copies
Scoring the Trial Left = plaintiff/prosecution Right = defense Score 1-10 Higher = better Use whole numbers (fractions/decimals will be disregarded)
Scoring the Trial Score as the trial proceeds Do not wait until the end of the round 4 scores each time a witness testifies Score on your own Do not collaborate Please write legibly
Scoring the Trial SEPARATE scores for: Openings Directs (witness & attorney) Crosses (witness & attorney) Closings NO SEPARATE scores for: Pre-trial matters Re-directs Re-crosses Objections Prosecution rebuttal
Scoring the Trial Score differences between teams Scale doesn t matter, just be internally consistent Point differential is what matters
Scoring the Trial At the end of the round, please rank the top four attorneys and four witnesses Names are on the comment sheets Circle P or D
Scoring the Trial NO invention of fact objection Only recourse: opposing counsel must impeach Teams may NOT invent material facts on direct Opposing counsel should impeach by contradiction or omission Success or failure of impeachment is your call If the impeachment is successful, please reflect that in your score by Penalizing the violating team, rewarding the impeaching team, or do both
Commenting All scoring judges receive FOUR carbon paper comment sheets Write your name on every page Students fill out their names, roles, and team code Use that information to select the top 4 witnesses & attorneys
Commenting There are blanks to write comments on all parts Non-shaded boxes are for plaintiff or prosecution parts Shaded boxes are for defense parts
Commenting Students get copies of written comments After the trial, please provide verbal feedback Please strive for no more than 10 minutes combined
AMTA Representatives Ensure that all rules are followed May enter the courtroom to inform you of time limit issues Please follow their instructions May enter the courtroom to resolve a conflict brought to their attention by students Please follow their instructions
In Summation Presiding Let students argue (once or twice), then make a ruling Listen to time limitations students bring to your attention Scoring Score on performance, not on merits of the case Score as the trial proceeds, not at the end Be internally consistent Fill in all blanks on blue score sheet legibly Commenting Teams value your individual written comments Verbal feedback should last 10 minutes or less for the combined judging panel
What happens next? You will be assigned to a judging panel The presider s name will be called first You will be assigned to a room If you have already judged one of the teams at this tournament during this weekend, please do not begin the trial and do let us know of the potential conflict If you are affiliated with a team in that room (e.g. your child is on the team), please do not begin the trial and do let us know of the potential conflict
