The Eichmann Mock Trial

The Eichmann Mock Trial

Welcome to the Eichmann Trial simulation. This experience will raise questions of obedience in
society, specifically, when and how much do we obey the rules regulating our lives. When are we to be
held responsible for our actions? When and how do our individual senses of morality, right and wrong,
come into conflict with the institutions of society?

The focal point for this study will be the Adolf Eichmann Trial. Through this simulation, you will address
the issues raised above and have to deal with other issues you may not yet have considered. The question you
will have to address is:
Adolf Eichmann was responsible for the death of millions of people during the second World War.

To begin with, the class will have to split into the two sides, the Prosecution and the Defense.

Prosecution: review the documents found online and in the university books
provided, then prepare a strategy for prosecuting Eichmann and
lead the jury to believe he is guilty.

Defense: review the documents found online and in the university books
provided, then prepare a strategy for defending Eichmann and
lead the jury to believe he is innocent.

In an effort to keep the trial as historically accurate as possible, both the prosecution and the defense have to consider
these points in the case:

1) Eichmann is kidnapped from Argentina and brought back to Israel for Trial.

2) If found guilty, Eichmann faces the death penalty.

NOTA BENE: WHEREEVER CANADIAN LAW AND INTERNATIONAL LAW CONFLICT, WE WILL
USE INTERNATIONAL LAW. IN REALITY, WE WILL PROBABLY USE A COMBINATION OF BOTH.

Both the prosecution and defense will follow this outline:

            Opening statement (5 minutes)
            concluding statement (5 minutes)
            provide 3 witnesses or experts
            provide 3 witnesses or experts

In your group you must assign the following roles:

2 Leading Lawyers - They prepare opening and closing statements.
6 Trial Lawyers – they prepare questions for the testimony of the 3
                        supporting witnesses. In addition, they prepare questions for the
                        cross-examination of the other side’s witnesses.
3 Witnesses or experts – They work with the trial lawyers and assume the identities of the witnesses or experts.   Prepare
to answer questions from both sides.
5 Researchers – They gather additional information from the Internet, library or books at hand.   They collect information
on a specific topic. After our first 2 visits to the computer lab for general orientation, only these researchers can access
information during the preparation stages and during the trial.

Through this mock trial you will learn and experience several key points:

1. You will learn how to prepare, stage and hold a mock trial; the various roles and procedures.

2. You will be introduced to issues relating to the holocaust and WWII.

3. You will learn details regarding Adolph Eichmann, his role in WWII and his eventual capture.

4. You will learn about the question of obedience in society and be asked to ponder, "How far would I go?"

You will be asked to submit a paper (3-4 pages long) articulating your thoughts on obedience generated from a journal you
will keep of your research on the Eichmann trial, your experiences from the trial, and your ability to address the provided
thesis. Evaluation of this paper will be based on content as well as standard use of the English Language. Value 25 points.

Check my website for further links to valuable information:

http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/waymac/

Requirements:

Each student is to maintain a journal of their experiences throughout the research and staging of the trial.
Each student is to write a 2-3 page paper documenting these experiences in relation to the topic of obedience.
Each student is to participate fully for the maximum benefit of all involved.
Though the work is shared in many cases, each student is to know the issues being covered and the material
being presented which they are responsible for and how it relates to the greater experience.

Self-Evaluation

Evaluation will occur in two parts:

Part A:

Students will submit a one page self-evaluation of their role and contribution in this exercise on The Eichmann trial.
Give yourself a mark out of 10. You must be prepared to justify your mark. You are to keep a journal into which you make entries each day outlining your
work that day. I reserve the right to alter this mark if I do not agree with your decision. Value: 10 points.

Ideas to think about when assigning yourself a mark: Copy this information and give it to me in your self-evaluation.

1. I was present for the trial.

2. I was present for all classes that were used for trial preparation.

3. I kept a journal.

4. I was on task when I was given the opportunity during the preparation classes and the trial itself.

5. I offered to assist others when my work was complete.

6. I read the online documents on Mr. MacIntyre’s web page.

7. I thought of good arguments for my side.

8. I helped organize the points for our side.

9. I learned a lot about Eichmann and the holocaust.

10. I learned a lot about debating in a legal setting.

11. I spoke in front of people at the trial.

12. I have grown, learned through this experience.

My total mark out of 10 is __/10.

Part B:

You will submit a paper (3-4 pages, double spaced and typed) articulating your thoughts on obedience generated from
a journal you will keep of your research on the Eichmann Trial, your experiences from the trial, and your ability to address
the provided thesis: EICHMANN WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE or EICHMANN
WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.

Evaluation of this paper will be based on the rubric below OR it can be a persuasive essay. Value 26 points. Due Date: 1 Week after trial completion.

Rubric

	0	1	4	5
Introduction	No introduction included	Introduction includes thesis statement	Introduction includes thesis statement and general background on the role of Eichmann in the Final Solution.	Introduction includes thesis statement, general background on the role of Eichmann in the Final Solution, and a leading sentence.
	0	1	4
Arguments against your position	No arguments against the thesis included.	1 argument against the thesis is included and clearly rejected as invalid.	2 arguments against the thesis are included and clearly rejected as invalid.
	0	1	2	3
Arguments in support of your position	No arguments are given.	One argument in support of your position is identified.	Two arguments in support of your position are identified.	Three arguments in support of your position are identified.
	0	2	4	6
Significance of argument	No clear explanation is provided.	A clear explanation of one argument is included	Clear explanations of two arguments are included.	Clear explanations of three arguments are included.
	0	1	2
Conclusion	No conclusion is provided.	Conclusion includes a brief summary of arguments.	Conclusion includes a brief summary of arguments and a restating of the thesis.
	2	4	6
Spelling and grammar	Work has 7 or more errors.	Work has 4-6 errors	Work has 0-3 errors.
	- 0	- 50%
Tardiness in delivering work	Work is in on time	Work is handed in after others are returned.
				Total: _____

To help in your research, I have provided the following links:

(You may search elsewhere, but I have tried to make this as accessible and efficient as possible for you. All material used
and work generated should be documented, saved, and a copy submitted for review by the teacher. Create a portfolio of
your investigations.)

THE ACTUAL TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS

http://www.vex.net/~nizkor/hweb/people/e/eichmann-adolf/transcripts/Sessions/

Running a Mock Trial:

1. Mass. Bar Association.

http://massbar.org/pub_programs/mock_trial/index.php?c_id=3097&PHPSESSID=694bd739c06cb8aeff819098e0d39109

2. Stages of a Trial

. http://www.abc.net.au/mocktrial/resources/resources.htm

Samples:

http://www.abanet.org/publiced/mocktrialguide.pdf (Big Bad Wolf and Curly Pig

http://www.crfc.org/mocktrial.html

3. Helpful Hints on Running a Mock Trial.

http://www.azflse.org/mocktrial/PDFs/HelpfulHints.pdf