Using a Jury Simulation as a Classroom Exercise

Abstract

The authors' empirical research project considers the effects of differences in actual legal rules on jury decisions and, concurrently, gives business students the opportunity to participate in a realistic jury experience. The project uses actual trial evidence to produce a videotaped simulated trial presentation thereby insuring that the testimony, legal arguments, jury instructions and facts are realistic. To date, approximately 2,000 business students have participated in the simulation, under the supervision of 13 different Academy members at 11 different universities. This article describes the project and its curricular benefits within the context of an introductory course in law.

Learning Outcomes of Simulation of Insolvency Proceedings Inspired by the US Mock Trials

“…In the context of law education and use of simulated trials, the American Mock Trial Association (www.collegemocktrial.org) began annual intercollegiate competitions in 1985. Business law professors have been writing scholarly articles about holding mock trials in their classrooms for almost as long (Bennett 1997, Lawton and Oswald 1993, Mann 1995, McDevitt 1998, Miller 1987. A purpose of the mock trial is to provide business students with the vocabulary and knowledge to interact with in-house counsel and outside counsel when disputes arise, just as students are educated about management information systems, not to become programmers, but to enhance their ability to work with professionals in the field (Miller 1987).…”

Simulation of Insolvency Proceedings Year II - Evidence of the Long Term Effect on Cognitive Learning

“…In the context of law education and use of simulated trials, the American Mock Trial Association (www.collegemocktrial.org) began annual intercollegiate competitions in 1985. Business law professors have been writing scholarly articles about holding mock trials in their classrooms for almost as long (Bennett 1997, Lawton and Oswald 1993, Mann 1995, McDevitt 1998, Miller 1987. A purpose of the mock trial is to provide business students with the vocabulary and knowledge to interact with in-house counsel and outside counsel when disputes arise, just as students are educated about management information systems, not to become programmers, but to enhance their ability to work with professionals in the field (Miller 1987).…”