Raising the Bar Mock Trial Program—Register NOW; Space is limited!
The Birmingham Public Library (Springville Road Branch) and the Birmingham Bar Foundation, announce…
The Fall 2017 Student Mock Trial Program
The Program is designed to introduce 20 students from grades six through twelve to the critical thinking and advocacy skills utilized in courtroom trials. After learning and developing these skills, the program will culminate in a mock trial. During the trial, the program participants will assume the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and judges. At the conclusion of the trial, a jury will deliberate and return a verdict.
The nine-week after-school program begins on September 14, 2017 at the Springville Road Branch Library and will be held every Thursday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. Each session will be taught by distinguished and experienced trial attorneys. The sessions will include:
Week 1. Introduction to the Program and Q&A (less than one hour)
Week 2. Overview of the Criminal Justice System
Week 3. Case Analysis and Brainstorming
Week 4. Opening Statements and Relevant Evidence
Week 5. Witness Examinations – Direct
Week 6. Witness Examinations – Cross
Week 7. Closing Arguments and Mock Trial Preperation
Week 8. Mock Trial Preperation
Week 9. Mock Trial
During the first week, all participants, family, and community members are welcome to attend a brief overview of the program and its goals. The second week’s program will provide an overview of the criminal justice system. During weeks 3 through 7, the participants will be given an introductory presentation by distinguished local attorneys on a necessary trial skill. At the conclusion of the presentation, the participants will be given individual instruction on the trial skill and an opportunity to practice the skill. During the final week of the program, the participants will utilize the skills they have been taught in the preceding weeks by assuming the roles of participants in a trial and arguing a case before a jury.
The program will provide the participants with first-hand knowledge of the justice system and the analytic and advocacy skills that are utilized in trial.
To register for this awesome program, please contact either:
