1. Which team are you on?
Defense Team of Friar Lawrence.
2. What is your opening statement?
Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty because he intended to help Romeo and Juliet in their secret marriage to unite their feuding families, not to cause their deaths.
3. First reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty (with textual evidence and explanation).
Friar Lawrence acted out of love and hope. He believed that marrying Romeo and Juliet could heal the rift between the Montagues and Capulets. His intentions were good, as shown in Act 2, Scene 6, where he says, "For this alliance may so happy prove, To turn your households' rancor to pure love." His goal was peace, not chaos.
4. Second reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty (with textual evidence and explanation).
He provided Juliet with a plan to avoid marrying Paris, giving her a potion to make her appear dead. In Act 4, Scene 1, he explains, "Take thou this vial." This shows he was trying to save her from an unwanted marriage. He took desperate measures because of the circumstances created by the feud and Paris's pressure.
5. Third reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty (with textual evidence and explanation).
Friar Lawrence acted as a trusted adult looking out for the wellbeing of the young lovers. In Act 3, Scene 3, he says to Romeo, "I will be brief, for my short date of breath is not so long as is a tedious tale." This indicates he was trying to help Romeo quickly when he was distraught, showing his commitment to aiding them despite the risks.
6. Who are THREE witnesses that you could bring to the stand to help defend your side?
- Juliet Capulet (living testimony)
- Romeo Montague (living testimony)
- The Nurse (Juliet's confidante)
7. Why would you pick those three people? (State reasons for each one).
- Juliet: She can share her perspective and show her love for Romeo, emphasizing that Friar Lawrence was trying to keep their love alive.
- Romeo: He can express how much Friar Lawrence’s actions meant to him and how they were intended to help them, not harm them.
- The Nurse: She supported Juliet and can testify about Friar Lawrence's good intentions and role in helping their secret.
8. How would their evidence help your case? (State reasons for each piece of evidence they'd provide.)
- Juliet: Can highlight Friar Lawrence's support and intentions, demonstrating that she sought his help out of love.
- Romeo: Shows how Friar Lawrence’s guidance was crucial in their relationship and that he was not manipulating the situation.
- The Nurse: Provides a female perspective as a caregiver who saw the genuine care Friar Lawrence had for Juliet’s happiness.
9. How do Romeo's letter, Friar Lawrence's letter, and Friar Lawrence's confession show Friar Lawrence's innocence?
Romeo’s letter reveals his desperation and his belief in the plan, which was only possible because of Friar Lawrence's foresight. Friar Lawrence’s confession shows he regrets the outcome but had no malicious intent. His letter shows he was attempting to communicate and rally support for Juliet, indicating concern over the situation.
10. Now think of the OPPOSITE argument of yours. What are three reasons why they would believe that Friar Lawrence is guilty or NOT guilty?
- He provided the potion to Juliet, leading to the tragic misunderstanding.
- He secretly married Romeo and Juliet, going against social and family norms.
- His lack of communication contributed to the chaos that followed their deaths.
11. Now think of three reasons that PROVE your side is RIGHT.
- The potion was a desperate measure intended to save Juliet from marrying Paris — not a cause of her death.
- The marriage was a noble attempt to unite the families, emphasizing peace over conflict.
- The tragic ending was caused more by family feud and miscommunication than by Friar Lawrence's actions.
12. What would your closing statement be?
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have shown today that Friar Lawrence acted from a place of love and hope. His intentions were to bring peace and support to Romeo and Juliet. The real tragedy stems not from his actions but from the ongoing feud between their families. We ask you to see the truth and find Friar Lawrence NOT guilty. Thank you.
Argument Chart
Opening statement
Introduction:
Good morning, my name is [Your Name] and it is my pleasure to represent Friar Lawrence today. The defendant stands NOT guilty accused of murder. At the conclusion of this case, we will ask for a verdict of not guilty.
Summary of Witnesses
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defense will call three witnesses to the stand. Our first witness will testify to her love and respect for Friar Lawrence. Our second witness will testify about how Friar Lawrence’s actions were supportive and intended to help. Our third witness will testify about the plans made by Friar Lawrence and their good intentions.
Conclusion:
Theme: What is your argument?
Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about understanding the intentions behind Friar Lawrence’s actions, which were never meant to cause harm.
Counterclaim
The prosecution hopes that their witnesses will prove that Friar Lawrence is guilty of irresponsible actions. However, the testimony will show that he acted out of love and concern for the future of the young lovers.
At the conclusion of this case, we ask that you find Friar Lawrence NOT guilty.