Debates

C.T.s Signature__________________
Name: Alex Disabella
Date:

Cooperating Teacher: Mrs. Stephanie Crust

Time:

Subject/Class/Period:

Specific Objectives to Meet Goals:

Students will be able to formulate arguments about controversial topics.
Students will be able to find valid sources and use them to strengthen their argument.
Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of debates through representation and
example.
Common Core Standard (General Objectives): Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
(Standard 4)
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically
such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance,
and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Motivational Techniques:
Show the materials I used for a debate I had done in high school as an example.
Materials Needed:
Notes on debate/court room terminology, debate materials and evidence, writing utensils
Procedure for the Lesson: Debates Timeline
Day 1
1. The students will be handed copies of the terminology used in a courtroom.
2. We will look at diagrams of a courtroom and learn all of the roles the judge, the clerk of
the courtroom, the U.S. District Attorney, Counsel, defendant, plaintiff, federal public
defender, jurors, etc.
3. We will discuss the actual proceedings of how our trial will go. (Sheet attached.)
4. We may watch a clip from Law & Order to get a visual of how a courtroom actually
works. (MAYBE)
5. I will go over the prompt: Risa Ward was scheduled to be unwound because the
orphanage she was residing at needed to cut costs. Risa believes she was wronged and
wants to take her case to court.
6. Before the end of class, I will assign the class into their groups.

Groups/Roles (for a class of about 25?)

I will be the Chief Judge.

U.S. Attorney
Federal Public Defender
Plaintiff
Defendant
Clerk of the Court
10 jurors
Bailiff
Last few students will be witnesses for either.

First, I will ask for volunteers for roles, then I will assign.
Day 2
1. I will supply both the defense and the prosecution with Risa Wards case file as well as
the orphanages case file collected from the police to be admitted into evidence.
2. I will also provide evidence to be submitted into court to each side. They will be
random items in Risas life and the orphanage. Both side will be given evidence that will
be useful; they just have to do all the digging themselves and make connections. All items
will be useful to the case if presented to the court well enough.
3. I will have mock search warrants and any other documents needed for the students to
submit their findings.
4. Both counsels will get into their groups and discuss strategies on either side of the room.
5. The jurors, bailiff, clerk of the court and I will prep for the trial to take place the next day
separate from the defense and prosecution to deter cheating. We will also study the case
files and remember to remain objective.
6. While in their separate groups, at least one person in each group will have to take notes
during their meeting, cataloguing how they are going to proceed in court, listing all
evidence, witnesses, and points of questioning. The other group will write one page about
who they think is guilty and why using evidence from the case files only.
Day 3

This will be the first day of the trial.

We will hear how the defendant will plead.
We will hear opening statements from both the defense and the prosecution.
Each side will then get to call their first witnesses and first cross-examinations.

Day 4

We will hear from the second witnesses and the second round of cross examinations.
Each side will be wrapping up their cases.
Any further witnesses or evidence may be brought to trial.

Day 5
The prosecution and the defense will give their closing arguments.
The jurors will deliberate and decide on a verdict.
We will hear the final verdict and sentencing.
Each student will then have to write a reflection paper (2-3 pages) regarding the case and
their understanding of the terminology and court proceedings.
Academic Language: Most courtroom terminology
Assessment Methods: Students will get participation points for taking part in the assignment.
They will have to write about the trial proceedings after the trial commences.
Evaluation of Field Experience Students Performance:

Debate Format in the Courtroom

1. Opening Statements
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
2. Presentation of Evidence
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
3. Rebuttal
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
4. Cross Examination
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
5. Closing Arguments
a. Prosecution
b. Defense
6. Judgment