Mock Trial Planning
1. Which team are you on?
I am on the Defense Team of Friar Lawrence.
2. What is your opening statement?
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I stand before you today to defend Friar Lawrence against the accusations of guilt in the tragic events surrounding Romeo and Juliet's deaths. Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty because he acted out of a genuine desire to help the young lovers and promote peace between their feuding families. His actions, while misguided, were not malicious and ultimately intended to prevent violence.
3. First reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty.
Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty because he sought to unite the Montagues and Capulets through his marriage of Romeo and Juliet. In Act 2, Scene 3, he states, “For this alliance may so happy prove, to turn your households' rancor to pure love.” This shows that his motives were rooted in a desire for reconciliation, not malice. He hoped that by marrying them, the feud could be healed.
4. Second reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty.
Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty because he acted with what he believed was the best interest of Romeo and Juliet at heart. He provided Juliet with the potion to avoid her marriage to Paris not out of recklessness, but to give her a chance to be with the one she loved. In Act 4, Scene 1, he assures her, “Take thou this vial,” indicating his intention to empower her to choose her own fate. His actions were aimed at preserving their love, not causing chaos.
5. Third reason why Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty.
Friar Lawrence is NOT guilty because he attempted to intervene and rectify the miscommunication after Romeo believed Juliet to be dead. He rushed to Mantua to deliver a message, as stated in Act 5, Scene 2, “I could not send it… / Here it is.” His intent was to save them both; this shows that at no point did he abandon his responsibility. Tragically, the failure in communication was beyond his control.
6. Who are THREE witnesses that you could bring to the stand to help defend your side?
- The Nurse - Juliet’s confidante.
- Benvolio - Romeo’s cousin and friend.
- Paris - The man Juliet was intended to marry.
7. Why would you pick those three people?
- The Nurse can testify to Friar Lawrence’s good intentions and the love between Romeo and Juliet. She witnessed the events leading to their marriage.
- Benvolio can provide insight into Romeo’s character and his motivations, highlighting that Friar Lawrence was not the instigator of their tragedies but rather a hopeful mediator.
- Paris can illustrate the pressure Juliet faced and how Friar Lawrence provided her with an alternative, thus showing that he was looking out for her best interests.
8. How would their evidence help your case?
- The Nurse’s testimony reveals the depth of the love shared between Romeo and Juliet, showcasing that Friar Lawrence was acting on their wishes and feelings.
- Benvolio’s account can bring forth the context of young love and how the societal pressures and family feud played a significant role in the tragedy, mitigating Friar Lawrence's role in it.
- Paris’ perspective will underscore the difficult circumstance that led Juliet to seek Friar Lawrence’s help, emphasizing that his actions were in defense of true love against obligation.
9. How do Romeo's letter, Friar Lawrence's letter, and Friar Lawrence's confession show Friar Lawrence's NOT-guilt?
Romeo's letter, found in Act 5, reveals that he was misinformed, which led him to take drastic actions. Friar Lawrence's letter, intended for Romeo, was a crucial piece of communication that failed to reach him, showcasing his sincere effort to rectify matters. Finally, Friar Lawrence’s confession acknowledges his role in the events but reveals no intent to harm; he genuinely believed he was acting to protect the lovers.
10. What are three reasons they would believe that Friar Lawrence is guilty?
- He married Romeo and Juliet in secret, suggesting deceitful intentions.
- He provided Juliet with the potion, which could be seen as encouraging their reckless behavior.
- His failure to ensure the delivery of crucial messages led to the tragic events.
11. What are three reasons that PROVE my side is RIGHT?
- The secrecy of the marriage was necessary given the feud, emphasizing his efforts to promote love over conflict.
- The potion was provided to save Juliet from a marriage against her will, proving his desire to protect her autonomy.
- The miscommunication was not a direct result of his negligence, as he did everything within his power to communicate with Romeo.
12. What would your closing statement be?
In closing, I urge you to consider the true nature of Friar Lawrence’s actions. He was a man devoted to peace, love, and reconciliation amidst chaos. His intentions, although flawed, were never malicious. A tragedy unfolded due to the laws of fate and circumstance, not through the deliberate wrongdoing of Friar Lawrence. Therefore, I ask you to find him NOT guilty of any crime, as he simply fulfilled the role of a compassionate healer and mediator.
Mock Trial Format
Opening Statement: Good morning, my name is [Your Name], and it is my pleasure to represent Friar Lawrence today. The defendant stands 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, we will call three witnesses to the stand. Our first witness will be the Nurse, who will testify about the love shared between Romeo and Juliet. Our second witness will be Benvolio, who will provide context concerning Romeo's actions and the pressures he faced. Our third witness will be Paris, who will explain the circumstances surrounding Juliet's decision that prompted her contact with Friar Lawrence.
Conclusion: Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about love vs. hate, peace vs. violence. The Friar Lawrence hopes that his witnesses will prove that he acted with good intentions amidst unfavorable outcomes. However, the testimony will show the complexity of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. At the conclusion of this case, we ask that you find Friar Lawrence NOT guilty.