The Trial of the Century: Is America Guilty? Introduction Using a legal format, students will research, evaluate, and decide whether they approve of America's policies during selected crises. Lesson Plan Allow five days for this activity.  Choose a topic such as Vietnam, Korea, Suez, or Yalta and introduce it to the class on Monday.  Briefly explain the official rationale for the government's actions and then introduce the students to the major contrarian theories of how the government should have acted during the crisis.  Then prepare an "indictment" of History vs.  The United States of America in re:_______ and assign students to critical roles: a judge, prosecutor and co-counsel, defense counsel and co-counsel, defendant, witnesses and jury. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, allow time for research.  Make sure that the prosecution and defense both understand the specific topic ("indictment") that you want the trial to be focused on.  For example, was the U.S. bombing of sanctuaries in Cambodia justifiable or an unnecessary violation of international law?  Have members of the jury, witnesses, and the judge research the topic and prepare a brief (250-500 word) essay on a related topic. The Trial The trial should be conducted like a real courtroom trial.  Each side should get an opening statement, time to cross-examine witnesses, and a closing statement.  The judge should ensure that decorum is maintained.  Allow sufficient time for jury deliberations, perhaps even allowing the jurors to meet the next class day.  Have the jury foreman submit a brief report on why the jury found for the defense or prosecution. Grade counselors and the defendant on: Quality and depth of research; speaking ability; understanding of issues involved. Grade jurors based upon: Quality and depth of research in report; whether or not their decision was logically supported based upon the trial. Grade witnesses on: Quality and depth of research; seriousness and responsiveness during trial; understanding of issues. Grade judge on: Quality and depth of research in report; fairness and control during trial.