News Show Skit to Introduce the Trial

The Trial of the Tell-Tale Heart Narrator

News show skit to introduce the trial (presented by the members of the jury) 1. The news anchors introduce the news program  “Welcome to this special edition of Eyewitness News. Today we will be focusing on the up-coming trial of the notorious Tell Tale Heart narrator….”

2. An interview with Edgar Allan Poe.

3. A special report on mental illness with special guest Dorothea Dix.

4. Reporters in the field interview various people related to the trial.  Possible examples: The narrator’s mother, the old man’s daughter….

5. The news anchors conclude the news program.  “We hope that you enjoyed this special edition of our program….”  “And now, let’s go live to the courtroom where the trial of the narrator is about to begin.”

The Trial Begins Members of the Jury –  Throughout the trial, listen carefully and take notes on the main points.  You will use your notes to help you make a decision once the trial is over.

Courtroom reporters and artists –  Throughout the trial you should be paying attention to the testimony and working on your news stories and illustrations.

Judge(s) –  Keep order in the courtroom.  Keep the trial moving.  Tell the prosecution and defense when they should call their witnesses.  Tell each witness when she or he should take the stand and step down from the stand.  Direct the bailiff to swear in each witness.

Opening Statements Prosecution – Brief (1 minute maximum) opening statement summarizing your argument that the narrator is guilty of murder. Defense – Brief (1 minute maximum) opening statement summarizing your argument that the narrator is not guilty (perhaps by reason of insanity).

OVER, PLEASE  The Prosecution Presents its Case Prosecution – Direct examination (asking questions) of witnesses:  Ask your witnesses questions to get them to tell their story so that it makes the narrator look guilty.

 Defense – When the prosecution is finished examining each witness you will cross-examine. o This means that you will ask the witnesses questions to discredit them (to make them look like they are lying, they don’t know what they are talking about, or they should not be trusted.) . Your questions must be limited to information that the witnesses shared during the direct examination.

 Prosecution – After the defense is finished cross examination, you may question a witness one more time if you wish. o These questions must be limited to things that the witnesses have already said while on the stand.

The Defense Presents its Case Defense – Direct examination (asking questions) of witnesses.  Ask the witnesses questions to get them to tell their story so that it makes the narrator look insane and thus not guilty.

 Prosecution – When the defense is finished examining each witness you will cross-examine.

o This means that you will ask the witnesses questions to discredit them (to make them look like they are lying, they don’t know what they are talking about, or they should not be trusted.) . Your questions must be limited to information that the witnesses shared during the direct examination.

 Defense – After the prosecution is finished cross examination, you may question a witness one more time if you wish. o These questions must be limited to things that the witnesses have already said while on the stand.

Concluding Statements Prosecution – Brief concluding statement summarizing your argument that the narrator is guilty of murder.

Defense – Brief concluding statement summarizing your argument the narrator is innocent. OVER, PLEASE  The Jury and Judges Deliberate The jury and judge(s) meet and decide whether the narrator is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” of the charges against him or whether he should be acquitted (found not guilty).

Trial Procedure

Bailiff: “All rise.” Everyone must stand up as the judge enters the courtroom. “Court is now in session. The honorable Judges ______will be presiding.”

Judge: “You may be seated. We are will be hearing the case of the People versus the Narrator from the Tell-Tale Heart. Defense attorneys, how does the defendant plead?”

Defense Attorney: “Not guilty, your honor.”

Judge: “Prosecution and defense attorneys, are you prepared with your opening arguments?”

Attorneys: “We are your honor.”

The prosecution and defense present their opening statements.

Judge: “Prosecution, you may call your first witness.”

Witness takes the stand.

Bailiff: “Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

Witness: “I do.”

This process is repeated until all the witnesses have presented their testimony.

After the cross examination of each witness, the judge asks the other team of attorneys if they would like to cross-examine the witness. If they say that they would the judge responds “proceed.”

After the cross-examination, the judge asks the original team of attorneys if they would like to re-cross the witness. If they say that they would the judge responds “proceed.”

After all the witnesses have all testified….

Judge: “Attorneys, are you prepared with your closing statements? Proceed.”

Following the closing statements….

Judge: The jury will now deliberate in order to decide the defendant’s fate. Members of the jury, remember, you must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

After the jury has finished deliberating….

Judge: “Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict?”

Jury Spokesperson: “We have your honor. We find the defendant ______”