Characters in The Courtroom 6-21-23 TEKS Updated
Characters in The Courtroom 6-21-23 TEKS Updated
bailiff judge
court reporter juror
defendant prosecuting attorney
defense attorney witness
Teaching Strategy:
1. Preceding the lesson, tape the “Characters in the Courtroom” Learning Stations on the walls of the
classroom.
2. Tell students that various people in the courtroom have special responsibilities to make sure that
trials are fair and that everyone is treated equally.
3. Give each student a copy of “Diagram of a Courtroom.” Explain to students that the Learning
Stations taped on the walls display the characteristics of the positions of each character in the
courtroom. Using the information of each station, students should match the responsibilities listed
on each station with the appropriate position listed on the identification sheet.
4. Allow time for students to visit each station and record their findings on the “Diagram of a Courtroom.”
Students may work in pairs or independently.
5. After students have listed each station, debrief this part of the lesson by discussing the correct
answers and the importance of each courtroom character.
6. To assess the students’ understanding, attach a label with the name of one of the courtroom
characters on the back of each student in the class. (Students should not see the labels that are
put on their backs. The names of the various courtroom characters may be used more than once.)
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7. Instruct students that they are going to play a game called “Who Am I?” Students will interact with
classmates and try to determine which character they are by asking classmates questions about
the job their characters perform. Their questions may only be answered by “yes” or “no,” and
students are not allowed to ask specifically, “Am I the judge?” Questions can only cover information
about their jobs. Students may only ask each classmate two questions. When students think they
have figured out who they are, they should return to their seats.
8. Ask each student to state who he or she thinks he or she is and why. Discuss the questioning
strategies students used and the number of questions asked before discovering their identity.
Extension for Gifted/Talented: Have students create a “Help Wanted Poster” for one of the characters
in the courtroom. Posters should state the characteristics and responsibilities that their selected
person should possess. A picture of the character described should also appear on the poster.
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Learning Station #1
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Learning Station #2
In a criminal case, I am
the person accused of
breaking the law.
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Learning Station #3
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Learning Station #4
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Learning Station #5
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Learning Station #6
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Learning Station #7
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Learning Station #8
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Learning Station #9
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Learning Station #10
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Learning Station #11
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Courtroom Diagram: Characters in the Courtroom
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Courtroom Diagram: Characters in the Courtroom
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#4 Bailiff
#8 Jury
#1 Judge
#11 Well/
Podium
#3 Court
Reporter #5 Prosecutor
#6 Witness
#9 Observer
#7 Defense
Attorney
#10 Bar
#2 Defendant
Answer Key
1. Judge 6. Witness
2. Defendant 7. Defense Attorney
3. Court Reporter 8. Jury
4. Bailiff 9. Observer
5. Prosecutor 10. Bar
11. Well/Podium
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Legal Terms for a
Criminal Trial
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Definitions of Legal Terms
in a Criminal Trial
Words Defined
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Judge - The person who decides questions of law, rules on objections, and instructs a jury at the close
of a case
Judicial branch - The governmental branch that interprets law and resolves disputes
Juror - A citizen who serves on a jury which decides the outcome of a court case
Jury summons - An order to serve as a potential juror in court
Misdemeanor - A crime punishable by fine and/or up to one year in jail
Motion - Application in court made by a lawyer to obtain a rule in favor of his or her client
Municipal courts - Courts created by the Texas Legislature in each incorporated city of the state;
courts that hear violations of city ordinances and Class C misdemeanors that occur within the city limits
Not guilty - Determination in a criminal case in favor of the defendant when not enough proof to find
the defendant committed the crime has been presented
Objection - When an attorney for one side feels that something improper has occured in the proceeding
Opening statement - A statement made by each side at the beginning of the trial, which gives a brief
introduction of what each side intends to prove
Overrule - When the judge disagrees with an objection made by one of the attorneys in court
Perjury - Knowingly telling a lie in court after having sworn to tell the truth
Prosecutor - A lawyer who handles the criminal case on behalf of the State or city
Rebuttal - An additional argument given by the prosecution after the defense has presented its closing
argument
Stipulated facts - Facts agreed upon by both parties before a trial begins
Subpoena - A court order to appear as a witness in a trial
Sustain - When the judge agrees with an objection that is made by one of the attorneys
Testimony - Evidence presented under oath by witnesses at a trial
Verdict - The decision made by a judge or jury as to the outcome of a trial
Voir dire - The process of selecting a jury; from a French phrase meaning “to see and to say”
Witness - A person who testifies in court
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