Resources for Teachers

Mock Trial

Sample Mock Trial

Theft of a book or a soccer ball

Facts

(The teacher sets out the facts after deciding, with the five volunteers, what item has been stolen.)

The victim went into a store to purchase a book or a soccer ball and slipped and fell on the way out, hitting his (her) head on the ground. A few seconds later, the victim slowly got up, realized that the item he (she) had purchased was gone and saw someone running away on the other side of the street. The person resembled the accused, whom the police arrested near the scene of the crime. What must be determined today is whether or not the accused is guilty of theft.

Sources of the law

Criminal offences can be found in the Canadian Criminal Code or in another law of a criminal nature enacted by the Parliament of Canada. For more information, we invite you to visit the Department of Justice’s Web site at the following address: www.justice.gc.ca

Procedure

First witness (the victim)

1. Crown counsel stands and calls his (her) witness to testify.
2. Crown counsel asks the witness two questions and then sits down.
3. Defence counsel stands and cross-examines the witness by asking two questions, and then sits down.

Second witness (the accused)

1. Defence counsel stands and calls his (her) witness to testify.
2. Defence counsel asks the witness two questions and then sits down.
3. Defence counsel stands and cross-examines the witness by asking two questions, and then sits down.

Instructions to the jury

The judge asks the jury two questions and then announces the verdict, which is based on the jury’s answers.

End of the trial

The mock trial ends once the judge has announced the verdict.

Please note that this information package includes sample questions for counsel and sample instructions to the jury for the judge.

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