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What is your Theory of the Case?

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AGENDA March 6/7, 2014 Todays topics Theory of the Case: State v. Martin Opening Statements: State v. Martin Work time: Complete Cast of Characters and/or Timeline Administrative Grades for Mock Trial class days based on participation Bring a copy of State v. Martin to class EVERY day Homework Draft an opening statement for State v. Martin Include your groups Theory of the Case at the top Typed, double-spaced

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of the Case The crux of what your side will prove/disprove happened, supported by the most compelling facts. A short, succinct statement of the theme of an action as evidence will be presented, organized and support at trial. Your theory of the case is the plan for where you are going and how you will shape the law and the facts in the case to get you there. -- MA District Court Criminal Defense Manual

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Opening Statement A statement made at the beginning of a trial before evidence is introduced. Outlines the party's legal position and previews the evidence that will be introduced later Familiarizes the jury/judge with what it will hear -- and why it will hear it Theory of the Case Elements of the Crime

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Online videos: Opening Statements These videos are two of a series of online training videos for actual law students. You'll watch these videos showing different approaches to the same case: Video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZoW0hubF30http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZoW0hubF30 Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLGRBKW-f-chttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLGRBKW-f-c After watching the videos, think about how you can incorporate these lessons into your own Opening Statements.

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Opening Statements should include: 1.A summary of the facts and evidence that will be presented, including how the witnesses are expected to testify 2.A statement regarding the result you hope to get out of the trial Opening Statements should avoid: 1.A detailed rundown of what each witness will testify to 2.Exaggeration and overstatement Opening Statement: State v. Martin

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WORK TIME

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Homework Before you leave Pick up your belongings & any trash Straighten desks Homework Draft opening statement for State v. Martin Include your groups Theory of the Case at the top of your paper Typed, double-spaced