Salem Witchcraft Mock Trials
Introduction:
The devil is in New England, and the people want justice. You will act out roles associated with the Salem Witch Trials taking place on September 21, 1692, and you will do what you can to convict the guilty parties of their pacts with the devil -- and defend yourself against such heinous accusations!
Characters/Roles:
• Lord Fairbanks, Presiding Magistrate
• Prosecuting Attorneys (1-3)
• Defense Attorneys (1-3)
• Accusers and Accused
**Click here to download the list of Role Assignments
Court Procedure:
1. Opening arguments
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
2. Accusation is made
3. Accused witch/wizard approaches the stand
4. Prosecution calls Accusing witness
a. Defense cross examines
b. Prosecution can redirect; Defense can redirect
5. Defense calls Accused witness (defendant)
a. Prosecution cross examines
b. Defense can redirect; Prosecution can redirect
*Continue this step until both Prosecution and Defense have called all of their witnesses
6. Closing arguments
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
7. Magisterial deliberation
8. Verdict
Written Assignment:
Each student will need to complete a written portion of this activity (typed and double- spaced), and they are as follows:
Prosecution & Defense – The lawyers acting as prosecution and defense can
work together to prepare opening and closing statements. Your opening
statement should be a 1-2 paragraph statement about the trial in general in
order to set the stage; your closing should be a 30 second to 1 minute
conclusion that dramatizes why the magistrate should rule in favor of your
clients. Each lawyer must also prepare a set of interview questions used to
question witnesses during the testimony. Lawyers should also help their clients by
preparing character evidence in advance to prove their character is trustworthy,
or that the one they are accusing is not to be trusted. Lawyers should evenly divide their
clients between themselves, but should also be prepared to help their fellow
lawyers with questioning of clients when needed.
Accusers and Accused – Each witness must assist their lawyers in preparing evidence for
the trial. As a witness, you must provide at least one piece of substantial
evidence or testimony to help their lawyers prove their case for or against
you (this could be a “painting”, a journal entry, etc.). Each witness will also
need to write a 1-2 paragraph testimony detailing your statements
before the court. Both the testimony and your evidence must be submitted
before the trial begins.
Jury – In the event that the court requires a Jury, you will spend the trial taking
careful notes on the proceedings. You will then be called upon to deliver a
GUILTY or NOT GUILTY verdict. You will turn in your notes at the end of the
trial. BEWARE JURY! Just being on the Jury does not guarantee your safety!
You must prepare some evidence in advance of the trial to attest to your
reliability as a good citizen of Salem in order to avoid prosecution. This must be
submitted before the trial begins.
You will not read this testimony to the court! You must present your case as if you were actually testifying.
Grading:
• Testimony and Character Evidence (50 pts)
• Everyone must participate in preparing for the trial. If you are caught
tweeting, snapping, or inappropriately using your class time you will receive
an automatic zero.
• Presentation (100 pts)
1. Does your presentation reflect knowledge of the situation? (10 pts)
2. Do you play your part adequately – i.e., fulfill your duties in the court
proceedings? (40 pts)
3. Does your presentation demonstrate that you have carefully considered
the evidence? (10 pts)
4. Does your presentation demonstrate adequate preparation? (20 pts)
5. Did you come dressed for the part – i.e. courtroom attire, costumes, etc.?
(20 pts)
Points Possible: 150 pts
Trial Preparation:
Here's 9 Reasons Why You Might Have Been Suspected of Witchcraft
Accused? See this link for ideas of what to do next
Lawyers: Need ideas on how to object during the trial? Want to know how to beat the other team? Download this: Mock Trial Court Proceedings.pdf
“I OBJECT!” — Lawyer Objections Examples
Your evidence should be substantial and creative -- you need something you can show the court, not simply a verbal testimony
Find evidence against the accused witches! Search their homes, but be sure to have a search warrant
Get other witnesses to corroborate (agree with and add to) your testimony
Are you accused? Be sure to expose the your accusers’ underlying motives or character flaws -- what is the real reason they want you killed for witchcraft?
Avoid being caught as a time traveller -- be sure your documents have the correct date (Trial taking place on September 21, 1692)
Missing the Trial? LAME! Or, maybe YOU ARE A WITCH! Better do this make up assignment to prove that you should not be burned at the stake!