The Outsiders Trial: A Webquest

1. Law & Justice Classes (9-12) Woodstock High School Cari Cain The Outsiders Trial:A Webquest

2. Introduction • The Outsiders is a novel by S.E. Hinton about rival gangs the “Socs” and the “Greasers”. The two gangs have an ongoing battle and this will eventually lead to the death of a member of one of the gangs. This WebQuest will guide Law & Justice students through the different stages of a trial while reading different sections of the book. • Essential Question: Who are the essential participants in a mock trial?

3. Task • The class will be split into 4 groups and will read sections of the book as assigned by Ms. Cain. Each group will be assigned a different perspective of the case and develop opening arguments, witness lists for both sides, witness examinations, possible evidence, and closing arguments • The different perspectives include: • A. The prosecution will argue that it was murder • B. The defense will argue that it was not Johnny at all • C. The defense will argue that Johnny’s situation is caused by his environment/home life • D. The defense will blame it on gang violence and show what gangs do to the community

4. Process • 1. You will be placed into 4 groups by Ms. Cain-group assignments are final. • 2. You will read The Outsiders through chapter 5 and then view the fight/murder scene from the movie using the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=malncB0BXIw&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active • 3. Next, you will visit the following websites to gain a better understanding of the trial process and the different roles each person plays • Elements of the crime of murder http://criminaldefenseattorneys.vanwagnerwood.com/ • Summary of the “Rules of Evidence” • http://library.findlaw.com/2001/Jan/1/241488.html • Tips for writing an opening statement http://www.perno.com/law/docs/Opening%20Statement.htm • Tips for writing a closing argument http://www.perno.com/law/docs/Closing%20Argument.htm

5. Process • Direct examination of witnesses http://criminaldefense.homestead.com/Direct.html • Cross examination of witnesses http://criminaldefense.homestead.com/cross.html • Tips for closing arguments http://www.perno.com/law/docs/Closing%20Argument.htm • Trying juveniles as adults http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/stats/ • Death penalty for juveniles http://www.capitalpunishmentincontext.org/issues/juveniles

6. Process • 4. As a group and from your assigned perspective you will complete the following for both sides-prosecution & defense and submit to your group page on the WebQuest site: • 1. Opening argument • 2. Witness lists • 3. Witness examination questions • 4. Evidence list • 5. Closing argument

7. 5. Your group will create a video of your “mock trial” using the documents you submitted to the WebQuest site. There will be a room reserved in the media center with a tripod and flip video camera for your group to use at their assigned time. These times will be assigned as we near the end of the project • 6. Videos will be shown to the “jury”-which will be your classmates and they will determine Johnny’s fate • 7. Finally, we will read the rest of the book as a class and each student will discuss in a 2 page paper which point of view you agree with and what verdict you think was just

8. Evaluation-Group

9. Evaluation-Student paper Group score and student paper score will be added for the final student score. Total possible points are: 100

10. Conclusion • Congratulations on a job well done! The trial is over and your verdict is in. There are several things that I hope you’ve gained from this experience: • A new understanding of how the trial process works • The responsibility of telling the truth and respect for the judicial system • The idea that juvenile defendants must be treated with special care since they have a better chance at turning their lives around after serving a sentence • An opinion concerning the death penalty for juveniles -Research true cases involving juvenile offenders charged with capital crimes and see if you think their punishment fit their crime. -http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/crime-files/menendez-brothers/biography.html -Look on the internet and find what the laws are involving juvenile offenders and the death penalty http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/execution-juveniles-us-and-other-countries

11. Credits and References • Pictures http://www.freewebs.com/greasergirls4ever/theoutsiders.htm • Book references http://www.enotes.com/outsiders/chapter-summary • Standards https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Pages/BrowseStandards/BrowseGPS.aspxhttp://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-S_Standards.sflb.ashx

12. Georgia Standards • PS-LCRP-3. Students will identify and explain the various roles of courtroom participants • SSCG22 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice process • PS-LCRP-9. Students will explore the roles of each participant in the pretrial process • PS-LCRP-11. Students will participate in a mock trial • PS-LCRP-12. Students will examine the post trial process

13. ISTE NET Standards • Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology • Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information • Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others • Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operation