Righteous Liberators or Murderous Assassins?

Panel Debate

Introduction

This is a criminal case brought by the Republic of Rome charging the defendant, Brutus, with murder in the first degree. The Republic claims that Brutus, with a premeditated intent to cause the death of Julius Caesar, caused his death on March 15, 44 B.C. Were the Senators who killed Julius Caesar on the floor of the Senate righteous saviors of the Republic and its traditional liberties, or Murderous Assassins who must be brought to justice?

Assigned Reading

⦿ Click Here to read an article about Julius Caesar's work as Dictator of Rome

⦿ Click Here to read sworn testimonies by the various key witnesses

⦿ Click Here to read the Days That Changed the World chapter

CHARGES: The Defendants, Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, is charged with murder in the first degree of Julius Caesar and conspiracy to destroy the government of Rome.

Primary Trial Roles

PROSECUTION

  • Prosecution Attorneys (2)

  • Julius Caesar’s Ghost

  • Marc Antony

  • Calpurnia, Wife of Julius Caesar

  • Octavian

DEFENSE

  • Defense Attorneys (2)

  • Marcus Junius Brutus

  • Gaius Cassius Longinus

  • Senator Casca

  • Portia, Wife of Brutus

  • Soothsayer

Secondary Trial Roles

JURY

Written Assignment

Primary Trial Roles - Witnesses and Attorneys must type a 1-2 paragraph testimony that summarizes your role’s perspective on the charges using the evidence provided or from your research. This must be completed BEFORE the trial begins.

JURY - Type 1-2 paragraphs using witness testimony from the sworn testimonies by the various key witnesses that summarizes BOTH the Prosecution case and the Defense case. You must complete this background research BEFORE THE TRIAL, but you should have a neutral mindset during the trial.

Guidelines for Writing a Testimony for Our Mock Trial

Purpose:
Your testimony should help the court understand your character’s perspective, knowledge, and credibility. It must be your own original writing. AI may be used only for research or brainstorming ideas, not for drafting sentences, paragraphs, or your final testimony.

1. Understand Your Role

  • Review your character description and any evidence connected to them.

  • Identify what your character would realistically know, what they saw, heard, or experienced, and how they fit into the case.

2. Plan Your Testimony (Without AI Writing It for You)

You may use AI to:

  • Research historical facts, legal terms, or background information

  • Generate brainstorming lists (e.g., “What might a bystander at a protest notice?”)

But the actual narrative, wording, and sentences must be written entirely by you.

3. Structure Your Testimony

Your testimony should be ½–1 page, written in the first person (“I”). Include:

  1. Introduction

    • Who you are

    • Your connection to the case

    • Relevant background that builds credibility

  2. What You Observed

    • Key facts your character directly experienced

    • Avoid information your character would not reasonably know

  3. Details Supporting Your Side

    • Describe behaviors, conversations, or actions that strengthen your team’s argument

  4. Your Emotional State (If Relevant)

    • Fear, confidence, confusion, certainty — but keep it realistic and not overly dramatic

4. Keep It Realistic

  • Don’t exaggerate or invent impossible details.

  • Stick closely to the character’s perspective and the evidence packet.

  • Avoid modern slang or phrases if the case is historical.

5. Write It in Your Own Voice

  • Use your own vocabulary and sentence style.

  • If you brainstorm with AI, rewrite everything in your own words.

  • If your writing is flagged as AI-generated, you will need to redo it.

6. Prepare for Cross-Examination

After writing your testimony, think about:

  • What questions the opposing side might ask

  • What weaknesses or inconsistencies you need to explain

  • How your character would stay calm and credible