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Make Your Case Game Overview

From Unit Plan: Justice by the People

Make Your Case is a courtroom trial simulation in which students control the action in a television-like trial. Students play the role of attorneys in a civil case involving a traffic accident between a bicyclist and a driver. The game is designed to be played by two players or two teams of players. As the game begins, students are challenged to decide what pieces of evidence will be most helpful to their case. Once the trial is under way, they choose which questions to ask witnesses and when to object when they spot violations of the rules of evidence during testimony. The trial concludes with closing arguments and the delivery of a verdict. After the verdict, students have an opportunity to interview jurors. Finally, students receive certificates of completion that provide feedback on how they performed as attorneys.

Game Objectives
After playing Make Your Case students should be able to:

• Understand the basic concept of due process of law
• Identify how the rule of law protects individual rights
• Describe how jury service protects individual rights and is a civic responsibility
• Understand the importance of due process to individuals and society

Class Time
1–2 class periods (depending on preparation of students)

For Make Your Case teaching tips, click here.

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Download the Make Your Case Trial Simulation here.

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