Law and Order


This course will provide a general introduction to the criminal justice system of the United States while allowing students to engage in a mock trial from beginning to end. Students will be exposed to the critical roles that make up our criminal justice system, will learn the responsibilities that accompany those roles, and have the chance to perform the fundamental components of trial. The last day of class will be devoted to conducting a mock (example) trial with students fulfilling (playing) the roles of all parties.

Students will learn about the differences between trials on television and trials in reality, what kind of education is required to perform various roles in the criminal justice system, the principle of being “innocent until proven guilty,” and discuss the various rights guaranteed by the United States Bill of Rights.

Audience: High school students from local, national and international schools.

Lead Instructor: Roxanne Mendez Johnson, JD; Criminal Defense Attorney, Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney, Assistant Lake County Public Defender.

Course Highlights:


1) Parties of the United States Criminal Justice System



-Defense Attorney




Pretrial Matters

2) Trial Preparation

-Determine the theory of the case, the theme

-Determine and prepare the witnesses

-Gather and determine evidence, compare to the law



3) Opening Statements

4) Direct Examination

5) Practice Opening/Direct

6) Cross Examination

7) Closing Statements

8) Practice Cross/Closing

9) In-Class Preparation for Mock Trial