Comments about ‘Students play Law and Order for a day’

This is a wonderful way to teach young people that our society is founded on law and justice. Because of this experience, these young people will have a greater desire to exemplify old fashioned values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for authority.

The Mock Trial experience is an exceptional learning tool. Never have I been involved in a learning modality with more intensity and intrinsic motivation. Students LOVE Mock Trial. They are given witness statements and a fact situation that sets up the case, and then they have to prepare the direct examination, the cross examination, the opening statement and the closing argument. They also have to prepare for objections and entering evidence.
The simulation of the court room provides the high level of motivation for students to willingly write and revise and revise and revise far more than writing an essay. They have to use logic, set priorities, recognize what is admissible, think on their feet when objected to, and use good presentation skills like eye contact, enunciation, listening and a hint of drama for interest. All of this translates to real-world skills that are invaluable.
FYI: The comment attributed to Zack Pack was actually made by Joshua Smith, age 14, though Zack Pack did win best attorney on the Prosecution side.

EB-The Teacher Coach of the exceptional students of Ensign Peak Academy.