Use of a Classroom Jury Trial To Increase Student Perception of Science as Part of Their Lives

The concept of a jury trial in the classroom setting was used to presentand discuss a current, controversial topic, the drug mifepristone (RU486).This drug is used as an abortion inducing agent although it has otherclinical uses. The major goal was for students to see that science is avery important part of their lives. The class project involved discussionsof the scientific, sociological, moral, ethical, religious, legal, as wellas financial aspects of a real trial which involved a major science issue.Students were involved in role playing which included obtaining informationand then participating in the mock trial. Student roles in this activitywere as judges, defendant, jury, witnesses, lawyers, and court reporters.This four week project involved both verbal and written participation.Grades were based on both their oral and written on this project. Thestudents found this a very interesting activity as evidenced by theirenthusiasm. This class activity could be adapted to a variety of timelytopics.