Mock trial

BY LINDSEY RUSSELL

When students at Western Dubuque High School think of Sociology class, they often think of the mock trial, which usually takes place anywhere from the middle to the end of the semester. It is a way for the entire class to work together and overall is a very fun experience. Ms. Rogers, the Sociology teacher, has answered a few questions regarding the mock trial:

What are the main parts of the trial? The beginning is mainly vocabulary and establishing everyone’s role. The middle is where the crime takes place. The preparations and the actual trial are the last parts.

How long does the mock trial take? The mock trial usually takes about one month or 10 to 11 block days.

Are the crimes always murder? Yes, because other things, like kidnapping, are harder for the students to investigate.

Have there been any past trials that have stood out to you? Each trial is unique because of the different students and faculty involved, but last semester stood out the most because everyone really got into the trial.

What is your favorite part of the mock trial? Getting more people involved from outside of the class and the overall involvement of the students.

The most important part of the mock trial is the unification of the class as they all come together to make the mock trial whole. Everyone involved, plays a key role in the mock trial. From the investigators, the lawyers and even the jury—which often consists of underclassmen—everyone participating is important to the overall quality and experience of the mock trial.