It will be your job to convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Lizzie Borden is guilty of the murders of her father, Andrew Borden and her step-mother, Abby Borden.  For this case you will need to research all of the facts.  You will be required to put together an opening statement, questions for your witnesses, cross examinations of the defense's witnesses and finally a closing statement.  To accomplish this you are required to follow these steps.

STEP 1: Researching Trial Procedures
The first thing you need to do is find information on trial procedures.  You will need to find information on questioning witnesses, developing effective opening and closing statements, objections and courtroom etiquette. You may use the links that I have set up for you on the main page and/or other resources that you may wish to use, i.e. books, magazines, other web sites etc.

Takes notes. Hand in your notes to the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.

Step 2:  Researching the Case
You will need to start gathering facts to help your case.  I have several web sites linked to the main page that describe the Lizzie Borden case.  You will require the help of Dr. Doolitte's forensic lab from the Fall River Police Department.  They are conducting scientific tests on the evidence found at the crime scene.
 

• You are required to take notes on any research you do.  Make sure you write down the web site that you got your information from and hand in.  Your notes will be examined by the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
• You must develop a list of questions for the forensic department to answer by conducting highly scientific labs.  I.e.  What is the time of death? or Who's blood was found on the ax?
• Hand in the questions to the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor, and I will fax them to the police office.  You should receive the results within 2-3 business days.

STEP 3: Questioning the Witnesses
Now you must put together your questions for each of your witnesses.  Witnesses will be from this class or Dr. Doolittle's forensic lab.

• Write out a list of questions that you will ask each of your witnesses.  Keep in mind the questions must be relevant to your case.
• Hand in your questions for approval from the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
• Your questions will then go to each of your witnesses to be answered.
• Then you will get together with each of your witnesses to develop a written skit for you to follow during the mock trial. Keep in mind that you will want to enter physical evidence during questioning.
• Hand in a copy of each of your skits to the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.
• Make sure you practice your skits enough so you have all of the kinks worked out.  Surprises may arise during the trial.
• You will also need to know the defense's witnesses.  Learn their background.  During the trial you will be cross-examining these witnesses so you will need to  listen carefully and take notes during the trial.

STEP 4: Opening and Closing Statements
You will now need to create your opening and closing statements.  Follow the guidelines that you researched.  Your statements should be one to two minutes long.

• Hand in a written copy to the Supreme Court Judge Supervisor.

WARNING:  DO NOT TALK ABOUT THIS CASE TO ANY OF THE JURY MEMBERS!!
IF YOU DO, MISTRIAL WILL BE CALLED AND YOU WILL LOSE 50 POINTS.