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Mock Trial Packet

Purpose​

This packet gives learners and facilitators a complete low-stakes structure for the mock trial.

When to Use It​

  • Week 17
  • Any later review activity that uses the Charter court

Student Directions​

Choose a small, manageable dispute. Then fill out the complaint, response, evidence log, and order-of-proceeding checklist before the hearing starts.

Facilitator Notes​

Safety and Suitability Protocol​

  • Use low-stakes disputes only.
  • Do not use bullying, abuse, trauma, serious harm, exclusion with real emotional stakes, family secrets, money pressure, romantic conflict, or intense relationship history.
  • All participants must opt in.
  • A facilitator may veto or replace any scenario.
  • The goal is fair-process practice, not punishment or embarrassment.
  • If the real dispute feels heavy, switch to fiction immediately.
  • Do not simulate police questioning, interrogation, criminal punishment, or real family conflict.
  • Do not ask learners to reveal private legal experiences.

Low-Stakes Case Ideas​

  • a shared project table was left messy
  • someone used the group's markers without returning them
  • a reserved reading spot was used during someone else's slot
  • a game-night rule about turns was not followed
  • a server or club rule about quiet planning time was broken
  • a library checkout reminder was misunderstood
  • a community-center sign was read two different ways

Civil Discussion Moves​

  • "Can you explain what you mean by...?"
  • "What evidence or example supports that?"
  • "What rule or process matters here?"
  • "I see it differently because..."
  • "I need a moment before I answer."

Complaint Form​

COMPLAINT

Person bringing the complaint:
Responding person:
Date filed:

Facts:

Charter provision or rule at issue:

Evidence I plan to use:

What still needs checking before the hearing:

Remedy I am asking for:

Response Form​

RESPONSE

Responding party:
Date:

What I agree happened:

What I disagree with:

How I read the rule:

Evidence or reasons I want the hearing group or decider to consider:

What context, screenshot, or detail might be missing:

What outcome I think is fair:

Witness and Evidence Log​

ItemWhat it isWhich side uses itWhat it is supposed to show
1
2
3
4

Before the hearing, ask whether any evidence could be incomplete, edited, or missing context. If a screenshot, clip, quote, or image might be AI-generated or AI-edited, note that and check for another source when possible.

Order of Proceeding Checklist​

  1. Notice given
  2. Time to prepare provided
  3. Evidence shared in advance
  4. Access needs, translation, AAC, or visual supports prepared
  5. Hearing begins
  6. Opening statements
  7. Complaining side presents
  8. Responding side replies
  9. Judge or panel questions
  10. Closing statements
  11. Decision discussion
  12. Written or spoken ruling
  13. Amendment note if the Charter exposed a gap

Younger Learner Adaptation​

  • Use one-page complaint and one-page response only.
  • Skip formal opening and closing statements.
  • Use drawings or objects as evidence.

Older Learner Extension​

  • Add a proof-job note.
  • Require each side to quote the Charter text directly.
  • Add a post-trial section on whether a second-look issue exists.
  • Compare two sources if the case depends on a message, screenshot, post, or clip.