Using Controversial Mock Trials in “Psychology and Law” Courses: Suggestions From Participants

Authors

• James L. Werth, University of Akron
• James Harvey, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Rebecca McNamara, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Andrea Svoboda, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Raina Gulbrandson, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Jennifer Hendren, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Tiffany Greedy, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Christie Leybold, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in Teaching of Psychology Vol. 29, No. 1, 2002. Copyright 2002. Used by permission.

Abstract

We discuss the use of a mock trial of the controversial Jack Kevorkian euthanasia case in an undergraduate psychology and law course. We provide an overview of the project, student feedback, and recommendations for improving the exercise. Based on feedback from students, we conclude that constructing a trial around a controversial topic with psychosocial issues as the foundation of a course can increase the utility of a mock trial and make the course a better learning experience.