Mock Trial

Judge

The person who runs the trial and makes sure rules are followed

Jury

A group of people who listen to the case and decide the verdict

Defense Attorney (Defense Lawyer)

The lawyer who represents the person accused of a crime

Prosecuter

The lawyer who tries to prove the accused person is guilty.

Defendant

The person accused of a crime

Witness

A person who givestestimony about what they know

Bailiff

The person who keeps order in the courtroom

Trial

A court case where both sides present evidence

Case

A legal dispute brought to court

Charge

he crime the defendant is accused of

Evidence

Info used to prove or disprove something

Testimony

What a witness says in court

Verdict

Final decision (guilty or not guilty)

Sentence

The punishment given if someone is found guilty

Opening Statement

The beginning speech where each side explains their case

Closing Statement

The final speech summarizing the case

Direct Examination

When a lawyer questions their own witness

Cross Examination

When a lawyer questions the other side’s witness

Objection

When a lawyer disagrees with something and asks the judge to decide

Sustained

The judge agrees with the objection

Overruled

The judge disagrees with the objection

Law

Rules that people follow

Justice

Fair treatment under the law

Presumption of Innocence

The idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty

Burden of Proof

The responsibility to prove a clam

Reasonable Doubt

A strong reason to think the defendant might not be guilty

Physical Evidence

Objects

Circumstantial Evidence

Clues that suggest something happened but don’t prove it directly

Exhibit

A piece of evidence shown in court

Affidavit

A written statement confirmed to be true

Role-play

Acting out parts in a trial

Script

The written version of what participants will say

Team

The group working together(prosecution or defense)

Case Packet

The materials students use to prepare for trial