The State vs. Lester Billings
As the conclusion to our reading of Stephen King's "The Boogeyman", we are going to play a roleplaying game.
Imagine that the police have not believed Lester Billings' explanation about the deaths of his children. They are charging him with triple murder.
You will all play a role in the trial against Lester Billings. Prepare for the trial – and act it out.
Phases:
The roleplaying game consists of three phases. 1) Choosing roles, 2) Preparing for the trial, 3) Acting out the trial.
Phase 1: Choosing roles
Each of you has to take part in the trial. I play the role of the Court Usher. Chose among these roles:
Core characters:
The Judge
Defence Attorneys (2)
Attorneys for the Prosecution (2)
Lester Billings
Witnesses for the defence:
Psychiatrist
Lester's Mother
The first doctor on the scene of the crime
Lester's Friend
The plumber
Witnesses for the Prosecution:
Forensics Expert/Police Officer
Neighbour
Pizza Delivery Guy
Babysitter
Rita Billing's (the wife/ex-wife)
Rest of Class:
Jurors (preferably an uneven number)
Phase 2: Preparing the Trial
Depending on whom you are going to play, you must prepare on your own or in a group.
Judge: Prepare an introduction of the crime and of the accused. Find arguments for your sentence. Read about sentencing. The judge has five basic tasks. The first is simply to preside over the proceedings and see that order is maintained. The second is to determine whether any of the evidence that the parties want to use is illegal or improper. Third, before the jury begins its deliberations about the facts in the case, the judge gives the jury instructions about the law that applies to the case and the standards it must use in deciding the case. Fourth, in bench trials, the judge must also determine the facts and decide the case. The fifth is to sentence convicted criminal defendants.
(Source: http://www.flnd.uscourts.gov/jurors/courtParticipants.cfm)
Jury: Find out about a jury's role in a murder trial. Elect a foreman and find arguments for your verdict. In a criminal case, a defendant is charged with a violation of criminal law and has pled "not guilty." The jury then hears all the evidence and decides whether the person is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt." The burden of proof is by a "preponderance," or greater weight, of the evidence. Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order: opening statements by the attorneys, presentation of the evidence including testimony and exhibits, closing arguments, jury deliberations in a separate room, and finally, the announcement of the verdict. Once the verdict is announced, the judge will excuse the jurors. During the trial, jurors are expected to listen attentively and take notes if they wish. Jurors themselves are prohibited from asking questions of the witnesses or conduct their own independent investigations. Finally, jurors must be free to make their decisions without fear of criticism or retaliation. The court will protect jurors both during and, if necessary, after the trial.
(Source: http://www.illinoislawyerfinder.com/legalinfo/2007/05/jurors_role.html)
Defence Attorneys: Find out which sentence you want to pass on Lester. Prepare an opening speech in which you argue your case. Find out which questions to ask the witnesses. Prepare a closing speech in which you sum up your arguments and your desired sentence. Make an ordered list of your witnesses.
Witnesses for the defence: Prepare your character's testimony. Consider what he/she has seen/heard/experienced and decide what your view of Lester is.
Prosecution Attorneys: Find out which sentence you want to pass on Lester. Prepare an opening speech in which you argue your case. Find out which questions to ask the witnesses. Prepare a closing speech in which you sum up your arguments and your desired sentence. Make an ordered list of your witnesses.
Witnesses for the prosecution : Prepare your character's testimony. Consider what he/she has seen/heard/experienced and decide what your view of Lester is.
Lester: Prepare a few phrases/speeches/answers. Decide how you want to play your character. Is he innocent? Is he playing innocent? Does he think he is innocent?
Phase 3: The Trial
- The Usher opens the judicial act
- The judge presents the case
- The Prosecution delivers its opening statement
- The Defence delivers its opening statement
- The witnesses are called to the stand, examined and cross-examined
- The Prosecution delivers its closing argument and a desired sentence
- The Defence delivers its closing argument and a desired sentence
- The jury discuss the case and vote (in secret)
- The judge receives the jury's verdict (“Has the jury reached their verdict?”)
- The Judge passes the sentence (“I hereby rule in favour of...You have been found guilty/not guilty...I sentence you to...")