Legal Vocabulary
What term describes the group of people selected to determine the facts in a trial?
Jury
What’s the primary goal of a direct examination?
Tell your side’s story clearly
What is the proper way to address the judge?
“Your Honor”
What is the goal of impeaching a witness?
To show they are unreliable or dishonest
Who was the defendant in the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial"?
John T. Scopes
In Legally Blonde, what school does Elle Woods get into?
Harvard Law School
What is the written statement a witness prepares before trial called?
Affidavit
What should a cross-examiner avoid asking?
Open-ended questions
If you're objecting, how should you begin?
“Objection, Your Honor...”
What document do you use to impeach a witness in mock trial?
Their affidavit
What trial famously involved O.J. Simpson?
The People of the State of California v. O.J. Simpson
What long-running TV series is known for the line: “In the criminal justice system…”?
Law & Order
What is the legal term for a ruling made without the jury present?
Sidebar or Motion in Limine
What is the tactic of bringing out your witness’s flaws before the other side can?
Preemptive impeachment
True or False: You can approach the witness without asking the judge.
False
What is the first step when beginning impeachment?
Ask, “Isn’t it true that you said…”
What 1950s trial involved spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg?
United States v. Rosenberg
In Suits, what’s Mike Ross’s secret?
He never went to law school
What is a “stipulation” in a mock trial case?
An agreed-upon fact both teams must accept
Why might an attorney choose NOT to object even if they could?
To avoid drawing attention or seem petty
What must attorneys do when the judge enters or exits the courtroom?
Stand
What is it called when you catch a witness contradicting themselves on the stand?
Inconsistency
What former NFL player was involved in a robbery trial in Las Vegas in 2007?
O.J. Simpson
What 2020 docuseries follows the story of Joe Exotic and legal disputes over a wildlife park?
Tiger King
What do you call the final ruling of the judge in a bench trial?
Verdict
What’s the term for drawing out favorable facts during the opposing side’s case?
Constructive cross
What is one reason the judge might penalize your team beyond scoring?
Repeated rule violations or unsportsmanlike conduct
What are the two key steps in an impeachment: confirm the inconsistency and then…?
Confront with the affidavit language
What 1990s international trial involved crimes during the Rwandan Genocide?
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
What Netflix series dramatizes the Central Park Five case?
When They See Us