River’s Story:
A Theft Scenario
Scenario
River is an 8-year-old Indigenous youth who loves to draw, but they don’t have many art supplies at home. One afternoon after class, River noticed a brand-new, big, expensive pack of colourful markers on top of the art desk in the classroom.
The markers had been given to Harper, a classmate, as a special birthday gift. When no one was watching, River put the markers in their backpack and took them home. The next day, Harper was very upset when they discovered their markers were gone.
Harper told her teacher, who later checked River’s bag and found the markers inside. River admitted they took them. River said they thought they were beautiful and just wanted to use them, and they planned to bring the markers back after they were done with them.
River has now been charged with theft under $5,000, and the case is being brought before the court.
The Crown will argue that River knowingly took property that wasn’t theirs, while the Defence will argue that River had no intention to permanently keep the markers and lacked criminal intent.
Roles in the Courtroom
River – The student accused of stealing the markers.
River’s Defence Lawyer(s) – The defence lawyer’s job is to tell River’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.
Amira Harper’s Friend (Crown Witness) – Who knows how special Harper’s markers were to them.
Mack River’s Cousin (Defence Witness) – Who knows River and cares about them.
M. Daniels River’s Teacher (Defence Witness) – Who knows, River loves to draw, and they wouldn’t intend to hurt anyone.
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 saw the big pack of markers on the art desk after class.
They were so colourful and I really wanted to use them.
I don’t have many art supplies at home.
I thought no one would notice if I borrowed them.
I didn’t mean to steal forever; I was planning to bring them back after I was done.
I didn’t know they were Harper’s special birthday gift.
I just thought they were classroom markers. -
Called to the school after the teacher found the missing markers in River’s backpack.
Spoke with Harper, who said the markers were a birthday gift and very special.
Spoke with River, who admitted to taking the markers.
River told the officer they thought the markers were beautiful and wanted to use them.
River also said they planned to return them after they were done.
The officer collected the markers as evidence and confirmed they belonged to Harper.
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Saw Harper bring the new markers to school.
Harper was very excited because they were a birthday gift.
The next day, Harper was upset and cried when the markers were missing.
Amira believes River took them because the markers were found in River’s bag.
Amira says Harper was very sad because the markers were special, not just regular school supplies.
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I spend a lot of time with River outside of school.
I know River loves to draw and is always doodling or making pictures.
River often talks about wanting more art supplies at home.
I believe River would never mean to steal from someone on purpose.
I think River just wanted to borrow the markers because they were special and colourful.
I believe River cares about people’s feelings and would not try to hurt Harper.
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I have taught River for two years.
I know River loves drawing and often shares artwork with the class.
I don’t think River has many art supplies at home.
I believe River may have taken the markers because they were excited about drawing, not to hurt anyone.
I think River did not intend to steal or cause trouble.
River is usually kind and respectful.
