Directions for Students

Reprinted from the OAH Magazine of History
15 (Winter 2001). ISSN 0882-228X Copyright (c) 2001, Organization of American Historians

One team will represent the navy in the hearing; one will represent the defendants; and the rest of the students will serve as members of Congress sitting in judgment on the case.

Step 1: All students must read all written material about the case--the chronology, the three exhibits, and the directions. Members of Congress should also look over the score sheet below.

Step 2: The defense and the navy must compose a one-page brief stating their position for the committee, due at the start of the hearing.

Step 3: Both sides must create an opening statement for the proceeding.

Step 4: Each side must have one or two witnesses to testify. These can be survivors of the original trial or expert witnesses with information that would help your side in the case.

Step 5: The hearing begins. Each side must present its opening arguments before the committee. Then each side calls its witnesses, and each witness makes a statement before the committee and is questioned by members of Congress. Finally, each side delivers a closing argument, based on evidence presented at the trial. Every member of each team should have a speaking role.

Step 6: Each member of Congress then completes the score sheet. Scores are tabulated and the winning side announced.

Score Sheet for Members of Congress

Name(s) of student(s) responsible:

Prosecution:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score:

Defense:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score:

Preparation Level (Scale of 1 to 10)

Prosecution:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score:

Defense:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score:

Historical Accuracy
(Scale of 1 to 10)

Prosecution:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score:

Defense:

Opening:
Witness 1:
Witness 2:
Closing Argument:
Total Score: