Middle School Mock Trial Gets an Outsiders Perspective
COLUMBUS (April 22, 2021) – On Friday, April 23, 2021, more than 100 middle school students from 10 schools across Ohio will take their places in front of the camera as they bring S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders to life. Students will take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in the trial State of Oklahoma v. J. Cade. To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, this year’s Middle School Mock Trial State Showcase will take place virtually.
OCLRE middle school mock trials are crafted from literature commonly taught in middle school classrooms. This year’s case focuses on Johnny Cade who stands accused of murdering fellow classmate Bob Sheldon. Johnny claims he was acting in self-defense because his life, and the life of Ponyboy Curtis, were in danger.
Teams from the following schools will participate in the showcase: Bethany School (Hamilton County), Danville Middle School (Knox County), Harding Middle School (Cuyahoga County), Independence Middle School (Cuyahoga County), Jackson Memorial Middle School (Stark County), Lebanon Christian School (Warren County), Perrysburg Junior High School (Wood County), Reading Community Middle School (Hamilton County), Seton Catholic School (Summit County), and Wheelersburg Middle School (Scioto County).
With help from teachers and attorneys, students spend months learning about the legal system and preparing for trial while developing key reading, research, writing and public speaking skills. Each team participates in two trials, arguing both prosecution and defense positions against opposing teams. Attorneys and judges serve as showcase judges. Students earn points by demonstrating professional demeanor, oratory skills and an understanding of trial technique and courtroom procedure.
OCLRE is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization whose goal is to improve society by developing citizens empowered with an understanding of our democratic system. OCLRE is sponsored by the Supreme Court of Ohio, Ohio Attorney General, Ohio State Bar Association and American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation. Middle School Mock Trial is funded in part by the Ohio State Bar Foundation. For more information on OCLRE, please call 877-485-3510 or visit www.oclre.org.
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