Participating in a Mock Criminal Jury Trial Competition
In this competition, students simulate a criminal jury trial where they take on roles as attorneys and witnesses in a fictitious jurisdiction called Midlands. This year's case involves State v. Sinclair, focusing on the murder trial of Skyler Sinclair, a suspect in the death of an undercover officer. Judges preside over the trial, score performances, provide feedback, and reach a verdict in panels. The trial structure includes pre-trial matters, opening statements, witness testimonies, breaks, closing arguments, and rebuttals. Participants face specific guidelines different from real-world trials, such as presenting opening statements at the trial's outset, calling three witnesses, and cross-examining all witnesses. Your role may involve presiding over the trial or scoring the proceedings using a specific ballot.
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Presentation Transcript
What is this Competition? Simulation of a criminal jury trial Students portray attorneys and witnesses 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)
This Years Case: State v. Sinclair Summary: Officer Jamie Robinson had gone undercover to infiltrate a drug ring. On March 18, 2016, the media publicly outed Robinson as an undercover officer and hours later, Robinson was found dead. Skyler Sinclair, a target of Robinson s investigation, stands trial for murder. If you have heard this case before, be aware that you may see a very different round this time because: Witness selection varies from round to round.
What is your role? You are here to judge the competition. You will do so in panels of two or more individuals. Judges fill three roles: Preside over the trial (one person per round) Score the trial (five people per round) Provide feedback (everyone) Reach a verdict
Your Role: Presiding Over the Trial One judge will preside over the trial and act as judge in the courtroom ruling on objections and keeping the trial moving. Trial consists of: Pre-Trial Matters (including introductions) Opening statements Plaintiff case-in-chief (three witnesses) Customary break Defense case-in-chief (three witnesses) Customary break Closing Arguments (including rebuttal)
Your Role: Presiding Over the Trial Differences from Real-World trials: Both teams must: Present opening statements at the start of trial Call three witnesses Cross-examine all witnesses called There are: NO objections to openings or closings NO motions in limine, for a directed verdict, or mistrial NO side bars NO objections or questions from the judges NO scope limitations on cross-examination (but scope is limited on re-direct and re-cross examination) NO requirements that expert witnesses be tendered
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Two judges will score the trial using this blue (carbon paper) ballot.
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Left = plaintiff/prosecution Right = defense Score 1-10 10 is high score Use whole numbers (fractions/decimals will be disregarded)
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Score on the blue ballot as the trial proceeds. Please do not wait until the end of the round to decide on scores. Score on your own. Please do not collaborate with other judges on scores.
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Score differences between teams. Scale doesn t matter, just be internally consistent. Point differential is what matters.
Your Role: Scoring the Trial There are SEPARATE scores for: Opening statements Direct examinations Cross examinations Closing arguments Witnesses on direct and cross. There are NO SEPARATE scores for: Pre-trial matters Re-direct examinations Re-cross examinations Rebuttal Objection arguments.
Your Role: Scoring the Trial At the end of the round, please rank the top four attorneys and witnesses from the round.
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Differences from other competitions: Witnesses are scored On both direct-examination and cross-examination Witnesses are allowed to costume Witnesses called may vary from trial to trial, but the defense is required to call the defendant in every trial Attorneys and witnesses are allowed to use demonstrative aids (subject to objection)
Your Role: Scoring the Trial Differences from other competitions: This competition has NO invention of fact objection, but the rules do allow for impeachment if there is an invention of fact. Teams may NOT invent a material fact on direct-examination such inventions are subject to impeachment. If you believe a successful impeachment has occurred, you should reflect that in your score by penalizing the the violating team, rewarding the impeaching team, or both. All witnesses have affidavits or reports. These witnesses swear to include all relevant facts in their statements. Certain physical characteristics of individuals in the case are stipulated to. Most notably, regardless of who portrays the defendant, it is stipulated that the defendant is left-handed and wears a size 8 or 9 shoe.
Your Role: Commenting All scoring judges should receive FOUR comment sheets (more carbon paper): Students will fill out their names, roles, and team code.
Your Role: 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.
Your Role: Commenting Students will get copies of written comments. After the trial is complete, please provide a few minutes of verbal feedback as well.
Roles of Others: Students Students act as competitors in the trial. Students school identity should remain anonymous until after the round. Note that all trials are public. Do not assume the identity of the teams based on who enters the courtroom. Students act as timekeepers. The trial has a three-hour time limit and each part of the trial has time limits. The students will keep you informed of time limits. Please enforce time limits when you are informed of them.
Roles of Others: AMTA Representatives AMTA Representatives ensure that all rules are followed. AMTA Representatives may enter the courtroom to inform you of time limit issues, please follow their instructions. AMTA Representatives may enter the courtroom to resolve a conflict brought to their attention by students, please follow their instructions.
Summarizing: The Big Things to Take Away Presiding: Let students argue, but listen to any time limitations students bring to your attention. Scoring: Score on performance, not merits of the case. Score as the trial proceeds, not at the end of the round. Fill in all blanks on blue score sheet legibly. Commenting: Students will get copies of all written comments. It is acceptable but not required to make one or two oral comments after the round, but please keep such comments limited to about one minute (so that the tournament may proceed on schedule).
What happens next? You will be assigned to a judging panel. Each panel will be at least five people. You will be assigned to a room. If you have already judged a team in that room at this tournament, then please do not begin the trial and let us know of the potential conflict. If you are somehow affiliated with a team in that room (e.g. your child is on the team), then please do not begin the trial and let us know of the potential conflict.
