Trial guidelines

You will work in a group to try in a court of law a significant character from an Ibsen play. As you read the plays, consider who you might wish to bring to trial from the point of view of one or more ethical theories (Kantian, Utilitarian, Virtue ethics, Christian ethics, etc).

Each group will need an accused, several witnesses, a lawyer for the defense and a prosecuting attorney as well as a judge. Participants may need to play multiple roles. You will work together as a group to produce a script for your trial. Each group will have about 10 minutes to present their trial. You will need to spend some time rehearsing and timing your presentation. You do not need to memorize your parts, but you will want to practice enough so that you are comfortable with your role(s). Use your imagination when it comes to props, costumes, etc.

You will turn in a copy of your trial script with your portfolio, so each member of the group should have a typed copy of the script to turn in.

The class will act as jury and will vote to convict or acquit the accused based on the group's presentation. The class will discuss the issues you raise in your trial as soon as it is completed.