AP Mock Trials, Semester 1

For each trial, participants include the individual on trial, three defense attorneys, and three prosecution attorneys. Each attorney may have two witnesses whose accounts are based on historical research, but these witnesses and their biographies must be disclosed to the opposing side at least three days before the trial. The rest of the class will serve on the jury.

The individual on trial must address the charges against him/her with historical accuracy, including a 3-4 minute speech in his/her defense. Attorneys must prepare an opening statement, questions for the tried individual and witnesses on both sides, and closing statements. Within these components, they must address all charges against the individual on trial in a way that favors their side.

Trial 1: Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan (aka Temujin, Chinghis Khan): Mongol ruler, 1206-1227Tried by AP world historians, 1450 C.E.

Key Question: Did the advantages of Mongol rule of much of Eurasia from around 1200-1350 C.E. justify the tactics of conquest and rule by Genghis Khan?Charges:1. Excessively brutal tactics of conquest compared to other conquerors before

1450 CE2. Hatred and destruction of Eurasian cities3. Mass slaughter of civilians4. Ineffective organization and administration of conquered territories5. Forcing opponents and conquered peoples to increase military building and

spending, rather than creating other infrastructure, technology, the arts and education

Comparisons: Alexander the Great, Ashoka, Shi Huangdi

Anticipated trial date:_________________

Trial 2: Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc: French leader during Hundred Years’ War, lived 1412-1431Tried by the (AP) English Court, 1431

Key Question: Was Joan of Arc treated more harshly than other alleged heretics, alleged witches and other opponents of medieval European Christianity?

Charges: 1. heresy (opposition to established religion)2. witchcraft3. claiming to speak for and represent God4. dressing and behaving like a man5. excessive French nationalism

Comparisons: other persecuted medieval European alleged heretics and witches

Anticipated trial date:_____________

Trial 3: Martin Luther

Martin Luther: former Catholic monk, alleged religious reformerTried by the (AP) Catholic Church leaders at the Diet of Worms, 1521

Key Question: How should heretics or alleged religious “reformers” and “protesters” against the Catholic (universal) Church be dealt with?

Charges:1. heresy2. criticizing sale of indulgences3. claiming corruption by some church officials4. challenging authority of the Pope5. encouraging individual interpretation of the Bible6. denying validity of Transubstantiation7. claiming faith, not good works, led to heaven8. other charges: moral authority to lead (attitudes

toward Jews and women, etc.)Comparison: John Huss and other Calvinists executed for heresy

Anticipated trial date:__________________