Mock Trial - Classical Conversations

Mock Trial Terminology

• Your Honor: Title used when addressing the judge in court settings.

• Affirmative Defense: A legal strategy that acknowledges the act committed but seeks justification for it.

• Allegation: An unproven accusation against someone that requires substantiation.

• Bodily Injury: Refers to any physical pain, illness, or impairment affecting an individual's physical condition.

• Burden of Proof: The responsibility of the State to demonstrate every essential element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Closing Argument: Final summation of case evidence presented to persuade the judge or jury to deliver a specific verdict.

• Criminal Intent: The conscious decision to perform an act that is illegal or prohibited by law.

• Cross-examination: The process of questioning a witness called by the opposing party to challenge their testimony.

• Deadly Force: Force used with the intent to cause death or significant bodily harm.

• Direct Examination: Questioning one's own witness to extract expert opinions or information beneficial to the case.

• Direct Evidence: Eyewitness testimony or physical evidence that directly supports facts in a trial; hearsay is not considered valid evidence.

• Exhibit: Items of evidence or documents submitted in court to support one side's position.

• Extrapolate: The act of drawing conclusions based on existing known facts.

• Hearsay: Testimony based on statements made outside of court, considered inadmissible to prove the matter in contention.

• Impeachment: Method of questioning a witness to expose contradictions or undermine their credibility.

• Indictment: Formal charge or accusation of a serious crime against a defendant.

• Intent: The purpose behind committing a wrongful act; critical component needed to establish a crime.

• Malice: The intention to cause harm or injury, indicative of a depraved mindset when committing an unlawful act.

• Manslaughter: The act of unlawfully killing another person without prior intent or planning.

• Material: Evidence or information that is significant and relevant to the case at hand.

• Murder: The unlawful killing of another with intent and premeditation.

• Objection: Formal protest raised in court regarding the admissibility of evidence or questions posed.

• Opening Statement: Initial presentation intended to outline the case for the jury and judge, introducing the key points.

• Petit Larceny: A form of theft involving goods valued under $2,000, qualifying as a minor crime.

• Plea: The defendant's formal response to criminal charges, including options like guilty or not guilty.

• Provocation: A stimulus that incites a response; may be used as a defense to claim loss of self-control due to another's actions.

• Reasonable Belief: A standard of belief that an average, prudent person would have under similar circumstances.

• Redirect: Attempt to rehabilitate a witness's testimony after cross-examination; prohibited in mock trials.

• Serious Bodily Injury: Injuries creating significant risk of death or resulting in death.

• Stipulated Fact: Agreed-upon points or documents recognized as factual evidence by all parties prior to trial.

• Voluntary Manslaughter: Unlawfully killing in a moment of passion induced by sufficient provocation.

• Mock Trial Positions: Roles in a mock trial include Defense Lawyer, Prosecution Lawyer, Witness, and Bailiff.