Volume One – History Comes To Life – Mock Trials of America’s Founding Era
Bring history, civics, literacy, and critical thinking to life through engaging mock trial scripts designed for students in grades 4–8.
About the Book
Be The Jury is a collection of history-based mock trial scripts and classroom lessons. This first book focuses on the American Revolution with The Trial of King George for Tyranny and the Trial of Betsy Ross. The series helps students step into history, examine evidence, build arguments, and understand the role of courts, juries, and civic participation.
Designed for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, the book provides teachers with ready-to-use materials that support social studies, literacy, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills.
What’s Inside
The book includes:
History-Based Mock Trial Scripts
Students take on roles as lawyers, witnesses, judges, and jurors.
Historical Background
Accessible context to help students understand each case.
Primary Sources and Evidence
Documents and materials that help students think like historians and lawyers.
Literacy and Speaking Supports
Tools to help students build confidence in reading, writing, public speaking, and argument.
Featured Trials
The Trial of King George III
Was King George a tyrant, or was the American Revolution an act of rebellion?
The Trial of Betsy Ross
Did Betsy Ross commit treason, or was she a patriot?
Why Be The Jury?
Be The Jury helps students:
- Understand Americn history through active learning
- Develop civic knowledge and courtroom vocabulary
- Practice persuasive speaking and evidence-based argument
- Work collaboratively in meaningful roles
Experience the responsibilities of citizenship and jury service
For Teachers and Schools (Grades 4-8):
- Social Studies and Civics classes
- ELA/History interdisciplinary lessons
- Mock trial clubs
- Constitution Day and Law Day programming
- America 250 classroom activities
The Rendell Center can also provide guidance, training, and proggram support for schools interested in using the book. Email: Beth Specker, Executive Director.
Sponsor a School
Also, you don’t have to stop at a single book when you’re buying. You can sponsor an entire School or even the whole District.
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with special educator pricing.
Classroom Set (24 Books)
$17.76 per book
Only $426.24 per classroom
(List Price: $24.95 each)
Volume discounts available for schools and districts.