Mock trial
A mock trial is a simulated court proceeding that is carried out for educational purposes. This hands-on experience is a great way to learn about the legal system!
School groups visiting the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa can participate in a mock trial as part of their guided tour. Educators can also run a mock trial activity in their classroom using the materials provided below.
Mock trial kits
Theft
The victim went into a store to buy an item and slipped and fell on the way out, hitting their head on the ground. A few seconds later, the victim slowly got up, realized that the item they purchased was gone and saw someone running on the other side of the street. The person looked like the accused person, who was arrested near the scene of the crime after the police was called in. The mock trial will determine whether or not the accused person is guilty of theft.
- Mock trial kit: Theft – Web version
- Mock trial kit: Theft – PDF version
Vandalism
Someone has vandalized an outside wall of the school overnight. The next morning, an individual who lives near the school notified the principal that while walking their dog early that morning, they saw a person carrying a large backpack running from the schoolyard. The witness indicated that they recognized the person, who lives near them. The accused person claims to be innocent, and says that they saw two other people in the schoolyard putting cans of paint into a bag before running off. The mock trial will determine whether or not the accused person is guilty of vandalism.
- Mock trial kit: Vandalism – Web version
- Mock trial kit: Vandalism – PDF version
