Mock Trial Basics
In Mock Trial, does the team prepare only the prosecution side, only the defense side, or both sides?
Both sides
Who has the burden of proving the defendant committed the crime?
The prosecution / State.
Which student role keeps track of how much time each side uses during the trial?
The timekeeper
Who is the defendant in the 2026 Middle School Mock Trial case?
Riley Lane
How many prosecution witnesses are listed in the case?
three
What is the person accused of committing a crime called?
The defendant
What phrase describes the prosecution’s burden of proof in a criminal case?
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Which student role may open court and swear in the witnesses?
The bailiff
Who died in the case?
Parker Kent
Name one prosecution witness.
Skylar Reese, Dr. Ari Logan, or Dakota Smith.
What side represents the State in a criminal case?
The prosecution
What are the two possible verdicts in the Riley Lane criminal case?
Guilty or not guilty.
What does an attorney do when questioning a witness from their own side?
Direct examination
What medical condition did Parker Kent have?
Type I diabetes
Name one defense witness.
Riley Lane, Emerson Swift, or Jamie Bell.
Name the two types of student roles that do most of the speaking and testifying during a Mock Trial.
Attorneys and witnesses
Does a defendant have to prove that they are innocent?
What does an attorney do when questioning a witness presented by the opposing side?
Cross-examination
What medical device was Parker wearing when Parker died?
An automated insulin pump.
Which prosecution witness investigated Parker Kent's death and arrested Riley Lane?
Investigator Skylar Reese
What is the difference between an opening statement and a closing argument?
An opening tells the jury what the attorney expects the evidence to show; a closing argues what the evidence actually proved.
Which side benefits when the evidence leaves the jury with a reasonable doubt about whether Riley hacked the pump?
The defense.
A student attorney gave the opening statement. Can that same attorney also give the closing argument in that round?
No. Opening and closing must be given by different student attorneys.
What are the two competing explanations for Parker Kent’s death?
The prosecution says Riley hacked the insulin pump; the defense says the pump suffered a software malfunction/glitch.
What alternative explanation does the defense offer for the insulin overdose instead of intentional hacking by Riley?
A software/device malfunction or glitch.