Jayden’s Story:
A Mischief Scenario
Scenario
Jayden is a 10-year-old Indigenous boy who lives in a small community. One afternoon after school, Jayden and his friends were playing outside near the community centre. They began throwing rocks to see who could throw the farthest.
Jayden threw one rock that went too far and smashed a window at the community centre. No one was hurt, but the centre had to close early, and some people could not finish their activities that day.
The police were called. After talking to witnesses, they charged Jayden with mischief under $5,000 for damaging the window. Jayden admits he threw the rock but says he didn’t mean to break anything. He says it was an accident and that he was just playing with his friends.
The case is now being brought before the court.
The Crown will argue that Jayden is responsible for damaging the window, while the Defence will argue that he did not mean to cause harm..
Roles in the Courtroom
Jayden – The student accused of breaking the window.
Jayden’s Defence Lawyer(s) – The defence lawyer’s job is to tell Jayden’s side of the story in the courtroom. Multiple people can be in this role.
Crown Lawyer(s) – The Crown lawyer works for the community and the government. Their job is to try to prove that the accused person did break the law. Multiple people can be in this role.
Police Officer Sam (Crown Witness) – A police officer witness is a police officer who comes to court to tell what they saw or did in the case. They might explain how they investigated what happened.
M. White Community Centre Staff Member (Crown Witness) – Who works at the Community Centre where the window broke.
Tyler Jayden’s Friend (Defence Witness) – Who was there when Jayden was throwing rocks.
M. Lee Community Centre Youth Teacher (Defence Witness) – Who knows Jayden and has taught programs with them before.
Court Clerk - The court clerk is the judge’s helper. They say “All rise” when the judge comes in and swear in all the wtinesses.
Jury - The jury is a group of regular people from the community. They sit together in court and listen carefully to the trial. Multiple roles.
Courtroom Artist(s) - A courtroom artist is someone who draws pictures of what happens in court because cameras are not allowed in Canadian courtrooms. The artist helps people see what it looked like by sketching the judge, lawyers, witnesses, and the accused.
The Public - The public means regular people who come to watch a trial. They might be family, friends, reporters, or anyone interested. The public does not talk or take part in the trial. Their job is to listen quietly and respectfully. Having the public watch helps make sure the trial is open and fair. Anyone without an assigned role.
The Evidence
Below is all the Evidence or the “Disclosure” in your Mock Trial Scenario.
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I was throwing rocks with my friends after school.
I didn’t mean to hit the window, I was just trying to throw far.
When it broke, I got scared.
I didn’t want to be in trouble.
I feel really bad and embarrassed.
I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s day.
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Called to the community centre after the window was broken.
Window was large, facing the play area.
Glass shattered but no one was injured.
Talked to Jayden and his friends.
Jayden admitted he threw the rock that hit the window.
Staff confirmed the centre had to close early.
Charge laid: Mischief under $5,000.
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Was working inside when the window broke.
Heard a loud crash and saw glass on the floor.
Some kids inside were frightened.
Because of the damage, all activities had to stop early.
Parents had to come pick up their children.
Thinks the broken window caused a lot of disruption for the community.
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Was outside with Jayden when they were throwing rocks for fun.
Saw Jayden throw the rock that broke the window.
Says Jayden looked shocked and upset right away.
Jayden didn’t do it on purpose, he was just playing like the rest of us. Believes it was an accident.
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Has taught Jayden at the Community Centre during many programs.
Says Jayden is usually respectful and follows rules.
Jayden loves sports and playing outside.
Believes Jayden wouldn’t try to cause trouble on purpose.
Thinks Jayden has learned a lesson from this mistake.
