Book Review from Colorado Libraries, Winter 1999
Kathleen Edie

As the head of a busy courthouse law library, I was delighted to review this unique resource because I encounter many people unfamiliar with the legal system. Introducing the system to children to children in this fashion is a wonderful way to prevent that ignorance.

The book is divided into two logically arranged parts; the first part deals with the organization of the legal system and how to plan or structure a mock trial for students. The overview of the court system is well done. The author then explains the "anatomy of a trial." She starts with how a court session begins, covering trial techniques such as direct and cross-examination and concludes appropriately with the closing arguments. A discussion of the rules of evidence and procedure with examples are also included. One improvement to be considered for a future edition would be a brief review of the use of case law, statutes, and regulations, since research is a crucial aspect of pre-trial preparation. Obviously this is not meant to be a legal research text, but students need to know that there is more to a trial than the dramatic direct- and cross-examinations or opening and closing arguments often depicted in the popular media.

The second part contains creative criminal and civil scenarios based on historical events or literary characters. Additionally, the author defines key terms and provides a synopsis and guidelines for using the sample affidavits, questions, and exhibits. Her comments throughout give the teacher or participant a perspective on how to handle each step.

The trials should appeal to the targeted grades of 5-8 although I can imagine some older students ridiculing some of the scenarios based on characters from nursery rhymes. The book is highly recommended for social studies or civics teachers at the middle or junior high school level or their school libraries. Remember to visit a nearby law library in addition to the courtroom for a more rounded look at the process!

See, Betty. Jury Trials in the Classroom. Englewood, CO: Teacher Ideas Press, 1998. Dian Elizabeth See, legal advisor. 163 pages, glossary, index. ISBN 1-56308-561-5, paper, $22.00. Grades 5-8.