Full Length Mock Trial

The case you are watching is based on the 2021-2022 Indiana Mock Trial case Jordan Patel v Cameron Miller. Download the case file to see the information provided to teams as they create the trial you are watching. Case file.

Mock Trial Example Video Annotations

0:00 – Introduction
Tim Kalgreen, Indiana Bar Foundation Director of Civic Education, and Indiana’s Mock Trial State Coordinator, introduces the video and gives an overview of the case

3:01 – Trial Begins
At this point, the judge comes onto the bench to begin the proceedings. Each team playing each side of the case will introduce themselves. Pretrial matters are discussed.

10:18 – Opening Statements
Opening statements are the first element of the trial. The prosecution/plaintiff has the burden of proof and will present its opening first. The defense will follow beginning at 15:50.

19:00 – Prosecution/Plaintiff Case in Chief Begins

19:00 – Examination of Plaintiff Witness 1
This begins with the direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination of the witness by the defense attorneys beginning at 26:46. Redirect examination begins at 36:15. Recross examination begins at 37:22.

38:00 – Examination of Plaintiff Witness 2
Begins with direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination at 42:51. Redirect begins at 48:05. Recross begins at 48:38

49:19 – Examination of Plaintiff Witness 3
Begins with direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination at 55:50. Redirect begins at 1:01:48. Recross begins at 1:02:44

1:03:40 – Prosecution/Plaintiff Rests. Defense begins Case in Chief.

1:03:55 – Examination of Defense Witness 1
This begins with the direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination at 1:12:27. Redirect begins at 1:20:08. Recross begins at 1:21:00

1:21:45 – Examination of Defense Witness 2
This begins with the direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination at 1:28:02. Redirect begins at 1:36:21. Recross begins at 1:37:23

1:38:08 – Examination of Defense Witness 3
This begins with the direct examination of the witness. Continues with the cross examination at 1:46:42. Redirect begins at 1:49:45. Recross at 1:51:00.

1:51:55 – Defense Rests

1:53:00 – Closing Arguments
Plaintiff attorney begins. Defense attorney begins closing argument at 1:56:12. Plaintiff rebuttal begins at 2:01:57.

Glossary of Legal & Trial Terms

Attorney

Someone authorized to practice law; a lawyer.
Burden of proof

In a civil lawsuit, the requirement that the plaintiff (the party bringing a civil lawsuit) show by a “preponderance of evidence” or “weight of evidence” that all the facts necessary to win a judgment are presented and are probably true. In a criminal trial, the burden of proof required of the prosecutor is to prove the guilt of the accused “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a much more difficult task.
Closing Arguments

The final argument by an attorney on behalf of their client after all evidence has been produced for both sides. The lawyer for the plaintiff or prosecution (in a criminal case) makes the first closing argument, followed by counsel for the defendant, and then the plaintiff’s attorney can respond to the defense argument. Unlike the “opening statement,” which is limited to what is going to be proved, the “closing argument” may include comment on the opposing party’s evidence and usually requests a judgment or verdict (jury’s decision) favorable to the client.
Cross Examination

Questioning of a witness by the attorney for the other side.
Defendant

In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Defense

A general term for the effort of an attorney representing a defendant during trial to defeat the party suing or the prosecution in a criminal case.
Direct Examination

The first questioning of a witness during a trial, as distinguished from cross-examination by opposing attorneys and redirect examination when the witness is again questioned by the original attorney.
Judge

An official of the Judicial branch with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. Presides over the trial.
Judicial Proceedings

Any action by a judge; trials, hearings, petitions or other matters formally before the court.
Jury

The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact.
Lawsuit

A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty, resulting in harm to the plaintiff.
Objection

A protest by an attorney, challenging a statement or question made at trial. Common objections include an attorney “leading the witness” or a witness making a statement that is hearsay.” Once an objection is made, the judge must decide whether to allow the question or statement.
Opening Statement

The explanation by the attorneys for both sides at the beginning of the trial of what will be proved during the trial. Unlike a “closing argument,” the opening statement is supposed to be a factual presentation and not an argument.
Plaintiff

The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
Pretrial Matters

A meeting of the judge and lawyers to plan the trial, to discuss which matters should be presented to the jury, to review proposed evidence and witnesses, and to set a trial schedule.
Prosecution

The attorneys on behalf of the government who try a criminal case.
Recross Examination

Resumption of cross-examination by the original cross-examiner in order to respond to matters that may have arisen during the re-examination of a witness. The scope of the recross is limited to matters addressed in redirect examination
Redirect Examination

A questioning of the witness by the attorney who has already provided testimony under oath in response to direct examination as well as cross examination by the opponent. The scope of redirect examination is limited to matters addressed in the cross examination.
Rules of Evidence

Standards governing whether evidence in a civil or criminal case is admissible.
Trial

A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads “not guilty,” and the parties are required to come to court to present evidence.
Witness

A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.
Thank You Sponsors

The Indiana Bar Foundation thanks those who made this project possible:

National High School Mock Trial Championship

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Hon. James R. Sweeney II

Heritage Christian High School Mock Trial students and advisors