Two models and three uses for mock trials in justice education

Enhancing Student Learning By Using Mock Trials in Criminal Justice Courses

“…Cooperative learning reflects a commitment to active participation by encouraging learners to communicate with each other in the pursuit of a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of a subject (Farmer et al, 2013). Spader (2002) distinguishes two mock trial models for justice education: the Law School Model (wherein a single case and one mock trial provide for active learning throughout the term) and the Liberal Education Model (which focuses on understanding the judicial system). The former, is well-described by Bengtson and Sifferd (2010), requires writing and argument skills-as well as exposure to legal methodologies and structures-more typically associated with law students than with undergraduate students (Schaefer, 1989).…”

“…She explains that specific segments of her mock trial technique can be used during portions of a course. Spader (2002) describes how he uses three different versions of mock trials: his Constitutional Law class uses one mock trial to show conflicts between the right to privacy and the right to free press, whereas his Mock Trial class incorporates 20-30 mock trials in order to develop specific public speaking skills. However, his Trials and Evidence course uses three mock trials (about 20% of total class time) to address specific content and skills-and is the format he believes is most appropriate for use by criminal justice educators.…”

“…Other than Spader's (2002) contribution, there appear to be no articles describing pedagogical uses of mock trials published in the last few decades in journals that are likely to focus on criminal justice education. This is unfortunate given the claimed benefits of mock trial exercises and the need for examples that do not require as much class time as do the versions Spader describes.…”

“…The Journal of Legal Studies Education (1996 to present) provided 50 results, but most dealt with business and business law courses. The Journal of Criminal Justice Education (1997 to present) yielded 19 results-two of which (Kravetz, 2001;Spader, 2002) were on mock trials as we are using the term and described a mock trial assignment designed to help students understand criminal procedure.…”