Civil Disobedience
Students study the history of civil disobedience by conducting a series of historical mock trials. The trials revolve around individuals who have used direct action to promote civil disobedience or who have fought against such actions in promotion of the status-quo. The topic of civil disobedience is introduced through close readings of works by Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Students conduct mock trials of Emma Goldman and J. Edgar Hoover in preparation for the final trial of Edward Snowden. Although the course is not centered on the American legal system, students learn fundamental aspects of legal proceedings.
None of the trials are scripted. Trial teams conduct research on a historical era and defendant. They choose witnesses in consultation with the teacher and develop a trial strategy. Prior to the trial, attorneys, witnesses, and research assistants practice direct and cross examination and make revisions to their strategy as needed. Student jurors who are not part of a trial team sit on the jury and render a verdict after weighing the evidence in open jury deliberations. The teacher, acting as judge, moderates the proceedings and makes decisions regarding the rules of evidence when student attorneys make objections.
In the fall of 2016, a lawyer who coaches competitive mock trials gave students feedback on how to best conduct direct and cross examination. The Snowden trial was conducted at the U.S. district federal courthouse in San Diego.
None of the trials are scripted. Trial teams conduct research on a historical era and defendant. They choose witnesses in consultation with the teacher and develop a trial strategy. Prior to the trial, attorneys, witnesses, and research assistants practice direct and cross examination and make revisions to their strategy as needed. Student jurors who are not part of a trial team sit on the jury and render a verdict after weighing the evidence in open jury deliberations. The teacher, acting as judge, moderates the proceedings and makes decisions regarding the rules of evidence when student attorneys make objections.
In the fall of 2016, a lawyer who coaches competitive mock trials gave students feedback on how to best conduct direct and cross examination. The Snowden trial was conducted at the U.S. district federal courthouse in San Diego.
Morning Class
Afternoon Class