Social Justice Script

St. Veronica 8th Grade Religious Education Class

Present:

The Case of the Alleged Altercation

An exercise in Social Justice

April 1, 2009

Facilitated by:

8th Grade Teachers
Written by: Vicky Walsh
Edited by: Kelly DiMassimo

Cast:

Judge………………………………………………………….. Paulie
Court Reporter……………………………………………… Mia
Defense Attorney………………………………………….. Koreena Defendant……………………………………………………. Mat
State Lawyer………………………………………………… Evan
Street Lawyer……………………………………………….. Kimberly D
God’s Lawyer………………………………………………… Arianna
Bailiff for State Jury……………………………………….. Jarrod
Bailiff for Street Jury……………………………………… Christopher
Bailiff for God’s Jury………………………………………. Manny

State Jurors………………………………………………….. Candace, Kaitlyn, Antonio, Dominic, Allison

Street Jurors…………………………………………………. Christian, Mark, Victoria, Kimberly H
God’s Jurors…………………………………………………. Chiarra, Brittany C, Angela, Shannon,

Opening Scene:

Kelly: Tonight’s exercise is focused on Social Justice. Mat the ‘Defendant’ has allegedly beat up another student.

Mat and the ‘Victim’ were outside the gym after 4th period last Wednesday. Several students heard Mat & the ‘Victim’ arguing - SOMEONE - reported to the principal they overheard there was going to be a fight in the lower yard after school. Mat & the ‘Victim’ met after school – the details of what happened are unclear - by the time the principal got there several students claimed Mat hit or pushed the ‘Victim’. The ‘Victim’ has no marks and would not answer whether or not Mat had in fact hit or pushed.

Mike: Mat being tried by 3 juries of his peers - Representing the State = Evan - Representing the Street - Kim and Representing God = Ariana and representing the ‘Defendant’- Koreena. Our Court Reporter - Mia will be taking notes, so if anyone needs clarification - you will address Judge Paulie and he will ask her to read the notes. Vicky: As each side presents their case for how to handle the alleged crime - keep in mind the following: What is social justice? – Is there a 'punishment' fit the crime? - What is the point of handing down punishment? - Which of the 3 points - State - Street - God seems to reflect the ideas of Social Justice (or being fair to our fellow man)?
The first component of social justice is action. This activity calls for analyzing a social justice problem and taking appropriate action to try to address it.

Act 1 – Scene 1

Enter Bailiffs, Court Reporter, & Judge

Manny: All quiet in the court.
Christopher: Court is called to order.
Jarrod: Everyone call your attention to Judge Paulie
Judge Paulie: Today we are here to listen to 3 possible ways to handle justice for the alleged crime. You will hear from three different lawyers who will present their case for how to seek justice for the alleged incident. You will also hear from the Defense Attorney who will explain why the ‘punishments’ are fair or unfair.

As a jury you are to listen carefully to their request for the type of justice they are seeing. You will be given time to deliberate (discuss) what you feel is the best ‘punishment’. I call to the stand Lawyer for the State – Evan.
Evan: (presents case).
Judge Paulie: Thank you Evan. Are there any questions? (If so ask Mia to read notes – if not, proceed).
Mia: I call to the stand – Koreena – Lawyer for the ‘Defendant’.
Koreena: (rebuts –counters – Evan’s case)
Judge Paulie: I call to the stand the Lawyer for the Street – Kim
Kimberly D.: (presents case).
Judge Paulie: Thank you Kim. Are there any questions? (If so ask Mia to read notes – if not, proceed).
Mia: I call to the stand – Koreena – Lawyer for the ‘Defendant’.
Koreena: (rebuts –counters – Kim’s case)
Judge Paulie: I call to the stand the Lawyer for God – Arianna
Arianna: (rebuts –counters – Kim’s case)
Judge Paulie: Thank you Arianna. Are there any questions? (If so ask Mia to read notes – if not, proceed).
Mia: I call to the stand – Koreena – Lawyer for the ‘Defendant’.
Judge Paulie: You have heard from 4 Lawyers and the ‘Defendant’. It is your responsibility to choose a ruling based on the cases presented. You can choose rule for or against the ‘punishment’ handed down by the lawyer. You will have 4 minutes to discuss and take a vote. If you decide before the 5 minutes please let the bailiff know and he will bring you back to court. Bailiffs - show each of the jury’s to a separate part of the library. Be sure not to speak to each other regarding the decision for your group.
(Bailiffs take each jury to the library – One of the facilitators goes with them –Each jury will pick one person to read their verdict when they return to court - they return within 5 minutes and take their original seats).
Judge Paulie: Will the State Representative reads its verdict.
State Jury Representative: (reads verdict)
Judge Paulie: Thank you. Will the Street Representative read its verdict.
Street Jury Representative: (reads verdict)
Judge Paulie: Thank you. Will the Representative for God’s Law read its verdict.
God’s Law Representative: (reads verdict)
Judge Paulie: Thank you. The facilitators will provide direction and then court will close session for today.

Conclusion:

Kelly: Before you choose which ruling you think should be handed down, here are a few key points: What was the purpose of this exercise?Remember when the case was presented we asked:

What is justice?
Does the 'punishment' fit the crime?
What is the point of handing down punishment?
Which of the 3 points - State - Street - God seems to reflect the ideas of Social Justice (or being fair to our fellow man)?

Also, consider what makes up a just society?

Mike: State law is set forth as rules to follow - if 'we' follow them, then we would not need to hand down punishments. Ask yourself - do you really think State Law should preside over a fight between two students? Or is there a better way to handle the situation.

Is eye for an eye as presented in Street Justice the correct response and does it support Social Justice.

Vicky: Now consider God's Law - does this support the ideas of Social Justice? How do we make the world a better place for ourselves and each other? Not just in this instance but in general - Remember, this was a scenario - but each day we face challenging decisions - on how to treat others, how to reach out and help, and how to support our family, friends, and even strangers.

Be very careful seeking justice through unjust actions as doing so is unsupportive of Social Justice.