Latimer Mock Trial

The rules of criminal procedure are highly significant to the defendants because they are designed to guarantee the constitutional rights and freedoms to those individuals charged with an offence. They serve to truly protect the victims, and ensure the guilty are brought to justice. In criminal trials, individuals in the jury wielded real power in the trial since they settle the fate of their fellow citizens by determining the defense is whether they are guilty of some of the most horrendous crimes. Being a member of the jury, my predominant responsibility in the mock trial was listening to the evidence presented by the Crown and the defense carefully. The jury was expected to examine all the evidence deliberately and make judgement without any bias. In order to make the discussion about the trial confidential, the jury were adjourned to the outside of the room to make a decision. An unanimous was made by the jury in order for a verdict to be reached. In this mock trial, the jury decided that Latimer shall be given a sentence of seven years. This decision made by the jury reflects the values and standards of the general public that Latimer do not deserve a more severe sentence. By bringing ordinary citizens into the court and placing them at the very heart of the decision-making process, trial by jury has become the most democratic part of the legal system. Furthermore, I experienced that the court uses witness testimony in an attempt to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offense. During cross-examination, the Crown and the defense asked questions trying to detect falsehood of the testimony or to destroy the credibility of the opponent’s witnesses. By asking questions connected to the witnesses’ characters, the defense
successfully discredit some evidence provided by the opponent’s witnesses. By listening to the cross-examination, as a member of the jury, I become familiar with the evidence, with the credibility of witnesses, and with my genuine belief in the case. In conclusion, through the mock trial, I learned that serving on a jury provides citizens opportunities to be involved in the judicial branch of government.
It is the most direct and impactful way for citizens to participate in the process of bringing
justice.