Frisco ISD fifth-grade students in the Gifted and Talented program had the opportunity to visit and learn from the state champion mock trial team at the district’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). This experience set the stage for students to engage with a legal case of their own.
As part of the “Thinking Like a Lawyer” unit, students explored legal terminology and case law. Subsequently, they stepped into a mock courtroom setting. Through this process, they practiced presenting arguments and collaborated to understand complex legal concepts.
To help the young learners prepare, GT teacher Tanna Vaughan arranged for them to observe the CTEC team in action. This allowed students to see how the high school team prepares for competitions.
While sitting in the jury box and banging the gavel, students got a firsthand look at a courtroom setup. Moreover, they observed the persuasive skills of the high school team in real time.
“We provide an excellent example to model a mock trial for these elementary students,” said Mark Bryant, CTEC mock trial teacher, praising the collaboration. His team, which had already won the state championship, set the stage for the GT students’ experience.
Following the CTEC visit, the GT students began a guided mock trial based on what they had learned.
“You guys are ready to jump into this now,” Vaughan said. Students split into plaintiff and defendant teams. In addition, learned to write opening and closing statements, developed questions for direct and cross-examinations, and delivered witness testimony.
With one guided trial completed, students moved on to lead their own mock cases. At Boals, they invited parents to the school library to witness their final presentation.
Meanwhile, Boals staff members acted as jurors, while students represented both sides of the case.
“This might be our future Frisco ISD mock trial team — they may be our future lawyers,” said Vaughan, speaking to parents. “I definitely see a lot of potential in these kids. They’ve really taken an interest in it and worked really hard to prepare for today.”
The trial explored a thought-provoking question: Are homeowners responsible if a neighbor’s child injures herself on a backyard trampoline while they’re not home?
Teams delivered their arguments using statements, witness testimony, and visual evidence. One student even performed the role of the “injured” child. In the end, the jury ruled in favor of the defense, finding no negligence.
“Both teams did a wonderful job presenting their cases — and with another jury, it might have turned out another way,” Vaughan commented. “That’s part of the unit, learning how to ask the right questions, work together and understand a problem.”
Whether or not students pursue careers in law, they will benefit from the critical thinking skills gained during this experience. Furthermore, these skills will support them across various academic and career paths.
“Hopefully this experience excites students about the possibilities available to them for high school and their future careers,” Vaughan said.
Sources: Frisco ISD News
Blog by: Jennifer Briscoe, Intern, UTSA