Here are some suggestions you might want to use when preparing your case.
REMEMBER:Prosecution speaks first and last. You must rise anytime you address the jury. Try to make eye contact with all members of the jury. Take notes during testimony of anything you might want to use in closing or cross-examination. Remember that you are representing and protecting all citizens in this community. Keep your case simple by picking a few points and pressing them. Always ask for a STIFF penalty to show others that they must not break the law, and also to make the defendant pay back society for his/her offense.
1. State the case: This is a charge of _____________ (could be theft, battery, disorderly conduct, etc.)
2. Introduce youself and others involved to the court.
3. Ask the defendant's name, age, school, and what grade.
4. Ask about his violation: Did you take _________ from _______, or, Did you fight with __________ on the night of _____________ ?.
5. Have you had any past offenses of any kind?
6. Do you think this action was justified?
7. Do you think this act endangered or interfered with the rights of others?
8. How does this make people feel about teenagers when you behave this way?
9. Is it important to you for people to be honest and/or obey the law?
10. How do you feel about people who break laws?
11. Did you tell anyone about this offense? Did you brag about it? Are you sorry for what you did?
12. Do you think what you did was wrong?
13. Do you feel you should repay society?
14. How do you think you can repay society?
In your closing address to the jury, make eye contact and face the jurors. Thank them for their attention and time. Remind them that they represent the citizens of this county. Stress teaching the defendant not to commit any other offenses, as well as repaying society through hours of service to the community. Press for the MAXIMUM number of hours. Only ask questions you know the answer to. You do not want to give the defendant a chance to gain favor with the jury. Contradict anything that the defense has said with which you disagree. Prior offenses are admissible in court.
The documents on this
site are a product of Knox County Teen Court, 55 West
Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois. (April
1998)
