From Classroom to Courtroom: Mock Trial Script
Opening of Trial
● Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of (plaintiff’s first name) versus
(defendant’s first name).
● Judge: Will the jury please stand and raise your right hand? [Wait for everyone to stand.] Do
each of you swear that you will fairly try the case before this court, and that you will return a
true verdict according to the evidence and the instructions of the court, so help you, God?
Please say “I do”. [Wait for jurors to say “I do.”] You may be seated.
● Judge: Is the prosecution ready?
● Prosecuting Attorney: (stand up) Yes, Your Honor. (Be seated)
● Judge: Is the defense ready?
● Defense Attorney: (stand up) Yes, You Honor. (Be seated)
[Opening Statement]
Sample:
Prosecuting Attorney: Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: the defendant has been
charged with the crime of driving or taking a car belonging to someone else, without the
permission of the owner. The evidence will show that a 2004 Corvette was stolen on the night of
February 8th. The next day the defendant was arrested driving the stolen car. The defendant’s
fingerprints were on the keys used to steal the car. The evidence I present will prove to you that
the defendant is guilty as charged.
Defense Attorney: Your Honor and ladies and gentlemen of the jury: under the law my client is
presumed innocent until proven guilty. During this trial, you will hear no real evidence against my
client. You will come to know the truth: that (defendant’s first name) was just riding in a car stolen
by someone else. After finding out that the car was stolen, (defendant’s first name) was just trying
to do the right thing by returning the car to its owner. Therefore my client is not guilty.
Direct Examination (Prosecution)
● Judge: The prosecution may call its first witness.
● Prosecuting Attorney: Thank you, Your Honor. I call to the stand ______________.
● Judge: Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?
● Witness: I do
● Judge: Please state your first and last name.
● Judge: You may be seated.
PROSECUTION’S QUESTIONS for WITNESS #1
?__________________________________________________
?__________________________________________________
Cross Examination of 1st Prosecution Witness by Defense
Judge: The Defense may cross-examine the witness. Does the defense have any questions?
Judge: The witness is excused. [Wait for the witness to leave the stand.] The prosecution may call
the next witness.
2nd Prosecution Witness
Judge: Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth?
Judge: Please state your first and last name.
Judge: You may be seated.
Judge: The Defense may cross-examine the witness. Does the defense wish to ask any questions?
Cross Examination of 2nd Prosecution Witness by Defense
Judge: The witness is excused. [Wait for the witness to leave the stand.] Does the prosecution have
any other witnesses?
Direct Examination (Defense)
Judge: Defense, you may call your first witness. Is the defense ready with its case?
Judge: Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth?
Judge: Please state your name.
Judge: You may be seated.
Cross Examination of 1st Defense Witness by Prosecution
Judge: The Prosecution may cross-examine the witness. Does the prosecution have any questions?
Judge: The witness is excused. [Wait for defendant to leave the stand.]
2nd Defense Witness
Judge: Defense, you may call your second witness.
Defense Attoney. Thank you, your Honor. I call to the stand ____________.
Judge: Please stand. Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth?
Witness: I do. (Witness goes to the stand and sits down)
Judge: The Prosecution may cross-examine the witness. Does the prosecution have any questions?
Cross Examination of 2nd Defense Witness by Prosecution
Judge: The witness is excused. [Wait for defendant to leave the stand.]
Closing Arguments
Judge: Both the prosecution and the defense have now rested their cases. The attorneys will now
present their final arguments. Please remember, what the attorneys say is NOT evidence.
However, do listen closely. They are intended to aid you in understanding the case. Prosecution,
you may begin.
Judge: Defense you may proceed with your closing argument.
Jury Deliberation
Judge; Members of the jury, you have heard all of the testimony concerning this case. It is now up
to you to determine the facts. You and you alone, are the judges of the fact. Once you decide what
facts the evidence proves, you must then apply the law as I give it to you to the facts as you find
them.
Judge: Have you reached a verdict?
Jury Foreperson: We have, your Honor.
Judge: What say you?
Jury Foreperson:
Judge: The jury finds the defendant [guilty/not guilty.]
Judge: The jury is thanked and excused. Court is adjourned.
