Alternatives to in-person mock trials in forensic science education

Abstract

While mock trials are widely recognized as an effective teaching tool in preparing forensic students to testify in court, the move to online curriculums, increased enrollment, and alternative delivery methods  have limited the practical use of this valuable tool. In response, the Forensic Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), in cooperation with the UCO Center for eLearning and Connected Environments, has developed a Virtual Mock Trial exercise which places students in a virtual courtroom to testify as witnesses. Two simple scenarios have been developed - a lay witness scenario and an expert witness voir dire scenario.  In the lay witness scenario, the student assumes the role of a Crime Scene Technician and testifies regarding the processing of a scene and the evidentiary foundation for the admission of a firearm.  In the second scenario, the student assumes the role of an expert in firearms and toolmark analysis and responds to questions posed in the voir dire process to qualify as an expert.  For each scenario, students are given a set of facts and personal qualifications which form the basis of their testimony.  They then enter the virtual courtroom through the UCO learning platform and type their responses to the questions posed by attorneys representing each side.  At the conclusion of each exercise, the program produces transcripts of the testimony for the instructor to grade and critique.  This article describes creation and implementation of such scenarios as viable alternatives when live mock trials are not an option.