Korematsu v. U.S. (1944) Mock Trial
Project Reflection
For this project we were all assigned to play the role as a defense lawyer, prosecution lawyer, defense witness, prosecution witness, or a judge for a mock trial based off of the Korematsu v. U.S. trial in 1944. This cased involved Executive Order 9066, a law requiring all people of Japanese descent to be replaced to military camps around the U.S. Fred Korematsu attempted to evade the order resulting in his arrest. There were many protest against his arrest saying that the order was extremely prejudiced and that Korematsu should be let free. The case as so controversial that it made it all the way to the supreme court. The United States ended up winning but the U.S. later apologized and rewarded the Japanese people who lived in the camps money for all their lost belongings. During this time, there was a lot of hate towards the American people due to Pearl Harbor and there were many accounts of vandalism and theft. For our mock trial, I was assigned as a defense lawyer. Which meant that I was defending the U.S. government. Our task was to find any kind of evidence that showed that Korematsu knew he was breaking the law and that security was at stake. Also, we needed to prove that Executive Order 9066 was the least restrictive means of ensuring the security of the Unites States. Finally, we needed to prove that there was in fact a threat on U.S. soil at the time making Executive 9066 very necessary. In the beginning we were given a folder full of different texts full of potential evidence. We just needed to find it. We were also given at least one witness to direct examined or cross examine during the trial. I was given two witness, one was a defense witness and the other was a prosecution witness. Then we chose a part to say during the actual trail. I chose the opening statement as well as my direct and cross examinations. For the opening statement I was the first to talk out of the defense lawyers. I had to basically state our arguments and tell the story of the case while attempting the sway the judges. Throughout our preparation, us lawyers read through the text collecting any useful evidence while researching our witness and formulating the questions we would be asking them. The questions were meant to be used as a tool to get the witnesses to say what we wanted them to say in order to strengthen our side during the trial. I definitely learned a lot more about the justice system in the United States. I didn't realize how complicated cases can really get and how lawyers speak to judges. I found that a case is really just a game of arguments and convincing. You really have to strategize about what you're going to say and how you say it so it doesn't backfire. Right before the trial, my group of defense lawyers came together and shared which evidence we found and which evidence we were going to use. We rehearsed our parts and got into the appropriate attire, ready to win the case.
The trial went very well and there were great arguments from both sides but in the end, us defense lawyers ended up winning the case. Just like what happened in 1944. I was actually very surprised because I believed we had the disadvantage due to the prejudice we were asked to defend. I do believe it is because the amount of evidence we had to backup our claims. The arguments made by the prosecution were mainly just based off of morals rather than hard facts. Don't get me wrong though, it was a great idea to pull at people's heart strings but I do believe coming prepared with a lot of factual evidence is the best for a trial. Overall, the trial was very interesting and I am proud of my fellow layers for doing a great job on collecting very relevant evidence and being able to share it with the rest of the court. It really paid off in the end.
The arguments made and the evidence used on both sides was very convincing and relevant to the case. The arguments we made basically stated that there was a threat on U.S. soil and we had documents proving that. These documents showed account of Japanese lead attacks along the coast as well as suspected espionage around the nation. Also, I attempted to sway the judges by talking about Manzanar and how the living conditions were more than suitable for the Japanese people living there. I do think our strongest point was in fact the closing statement. It was very deep and hit every single point we were trying to make. The delivery was very convincing as well. AS she read it, she continued to make eye contact with the judges and paced herself. It really actually blew me away. I think that our arguments were great but the closing was the cherry on top that we were looking for. Hats off to Kaitlyn.
When I first heard that we were doing this project I got really excited because I have always wanted to be involved in some kind of court case. It seems like such a cool environment and the tension between the two sides just adds so much. It totally seems like to sports teams going at it. At first I kind of wanted to be a judge but later was assigned to be a lawyer and I was really happy with the decision. Lawyers are much cooler. I did think the defense side had a disadvantage due to the fact we were defending Japanese Internment camps and it was 2017. Everyone kind of has the same opinion about this topic and it's that the United States Government was definitely in the wrong. So I felt like we were destined to lose. Little did I know… After a couple weeks of researching a formulating questions, I started to get into the role as a lawyer and began thinking like one. One day, I found myself about 9 tabs deep into random documents I found relating to only one of my witness. I was trying to find any dirt on him because he was a prosecution witness. I really enjoyed it. Overall though, I had a great time playing the role and I felt like the trial was extremely professional. It really set the mood and got people into character. It would not have been the same if it were in a classroom. Next time, I would have real judges because the judges we had were put in some difficult positions and I don't think they had the experience to know how to deal with it. Also, I think that we should have practiced they way we spoke to the judges more because I found myself stuttering a few times because I forgot how to confront them. That's about all the feedback I have. Everything else was spot on. Finally, I really enjoyed working with my team. They were extremely easy to talk with and we basically agreed on everything we were doing. Also, Ben did a great job at being a facilitator for the group. He kept us on track and even texted me one night so I wouldn't forget to print my evidence. He was on top of the game. I couldn't have asked for a better team to send an innocent man to jail with. To conclude, this project was an awesome way of displaying the kind of prejudice and war hysteria that occurred in World War II and it should definitely be continued.
The trial went very well and there were great arguments from both sides but in the end, us defense lawyers ended up winning the case. Just like what happened in 1944. I was actually very surprised because I believed we had the disadvantage due to the prejudice we were asked to defend. I do believe it is because the amount of evidence we had to backup our claims. The arguments made by the prosecution were mainly just based off of morals rather than hard facts. Don't get me wrong though, it was a great idea to pull at people's heart strings but I do believe coming prepared with a lot of factual evidence is the best for a trial. Overall, the trial was very interesting and I am proud of my fellow layers for doing a great job on collecting very relevant evidence and being able to share it with the rest of the court. It really paid off in the end.
The arguments made and the evidence used on both sides was very convincing and relevant to the case. The arguments we made basically stated that there was a threat on U.S. soil and we had documents proving that. These documents showed account of Japanese lead attacks along the coast as well as suspected espionage around the nation. Also, I attempted to sway the judges by talking about Manzanar and how the living conditions were more than suitable for the Japanese people living there. I do think our strongest point was in fact the closing statement. It was very deep and hit every single point we were trying to make. The delivery was very convincing as well. AS she read it, she continued to make eye contact with the judges and paced herself. It really actually blew me away. I think that our arguments were great but the closing was the cherry on top that we were looking for. Hats off to Kaitlyn.
When I first heard that we were doing this project I got really excited because I have always wanted to be involved in some kind of court case. It seems like such a cool environment and the tension between the two sides just adds so much. It totally seems like to sports teams going at it. At first I kind of wanted to be a judge but later was assigned to be a lawyer and I was really happy with the decision. Lawyers are much cooler. I did think the defense side had a disadvantage due to the fact we were defending Japanese Internment camps and it was 2017. Everyone kind of has the same opinion about this topic and it's that the United States Government was definitely in the wrong. So I felt like we were destined to lose. Little did I know… After a couple weeks of researching a formulating questions, I started to get into the role as a lawyer and began thinking like one. One day, I found myself about 9 tabs deep into random documents I found relating to only one of my witness. I was trying to find any dirt on him because he was a prosecution witness. I really enjoyed it. Overall though, I had a great time playing the role and I felt like the trial was extremely professional. It really set the mood and got people into character. It would not have been the same if it were in a classroom. Next time, I would have real judges because the judges we had were put in some difficult positions and I don't think they had the experience to know how to deal with it. Also, I think that we should have practiced they way we spoke to the judges more because I found myself stuttering a few times because I forgot how to confront them. That's about all the feedback I have. Everything else was spot on. Finally, I really enjoyed working with my team. They were extremely easy to talk with and we basically agreed on everything we were doing. Also, Ben did a great job at being a facilitator for the group. He kept us on track and even texted me one night so I wouldn't forget to print my evidence. He was on top of the game. I couldn't have asked for a better team to send an innocent man to jail with. To conclude, this project was an awesome way of displaying the kind of prejudice and war hysteria that occurred in World War II and it should definitely be continued.
Opening Statement: Defense
On December 7th, 1941, the United State’s national security was breached resulting in the death of over 2,000 U.S. citizens. The victims of this cruel attack were mothers, fathers, ….sons and daughters. It was confirmed that this surprise military strike was ordered by the Japanese emperor. It has now become our duty as a nation to ensure that our security will never be breached ending in a tragedy of this magnitude. In order to do this, appropriate steps needed to be taken in order to restore safety for all U.S. citizens. This includes Executive Order 9066, requiring Japanese Americans to be relocated to secure military zones around the nation. The objective of this order is to protect the U.S. from sabotage as well as espionage. Japan is the known enemy, therefore Japanese Americans have become a primary suspicion. There have been attacks along the coast and numerous accounts of suspected espionage. All of which occurred after the Pearl Harbor attack. Knowing that the enemy could potentially be on our own soil has caused quite the panic nationwide. In order to protect both parties, Executive Order 9066 needed to be put into place. Despite the order being put into place, Fred Korematsu refused to follow it. A law was set and this man blatantly broke it. He even went so far as going through an eye surgery in attempt to look less Japanese so he could remain undetected. During a time of war, violating the law like this is a serious offense and can create quite the suspicion. It was our duty to take action and prevent these kinds of things. Disobeying such a vital law should not go without consequence. What the evidence in this case will show, is that there was suspected espionage and attacks by Japanese Americans making it completely necessary to create Executive Order 9066. The order in which Fred Korematsu broke.
On December 7th, 1941, the United State’s national security was breached resulting in the death of over 2,000 U.S. citizens. The victims of this cruel attack were mothers, fathers, ….sons and daughters. It was confirmed that this surprise military strike was ordered by the Japanese emperor. It has now become our duty as a nation to ensure that our security will never be breached ending in a tragedy of this magnitude. In order to do this, appropriate steps needed to be taken in order to restore safety for all U.S. citizens. This includes Executive Order 9066, requiring Japanese Americans to be relocated to secure military zones around the nation. The objective of this order is to protect the U.S. from sabotage as well as espionage. Japan is the known enemy, therefore Japanese Americans have become a primary suspicion. There have been attacks along the coast and numerous accounts of suspected espionage. All of which occurred after the Pearl Harbor attack. Knowing that the enemy could potentially be on our own soil has caused quite the panic nationwide. In order to protect both parties, Executive Order 9066 needed to be put into place. Despite the order being put into place, Fred Korematsu refused to follow it. A law was set and this man blatantly broke it. He even went so far as going through an eye surgery in attempt to look less Japanese so he could remain undetected. During a time of war, violating the law like this is a serious offense and can create quite the suspicion. It was our duty to take action and prevent these kinds of things. Disobeying such a vital law should not go without consequence. What the evidence in this case will show, is that there was suspected espionage and attacks by Japanese Americans making it completely necessary to create Executive Order 9066. The order in which Fred Korematsu broke.
Cross-Examination: Defense
Witness: Kenneth Ringle
Witness Cross Examination Question and Answer
Q: Is it true that you led the night raid resulting in the arrest of Itaru Tachibana in 1942?
A: Yes
Q: And is it correct that Tachibana was a member of a Japanese spy ring?
A: Yes
Q: So that would mean that Tachibana, along with other spies, posed a threat to our national security?
A: Correct
Q: So you were aware of the disloyalty within the Japanese American population?
A: Correct
Evidence:
The Tachibana Case Files
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll12/id/25994
Files from the Tachibana cases regarding Itaru Tachibana's arrest after the Pearl Harbor attacks. Kenneth Ringle led the raid.
This evidence shows evidence of espionage that Kenneth ringle had knowledge of. It could discredit the Ringle Report.
n/a
Witness: Kenneth Ringle
Witness Cross Examination Question and Answer
Q: Is it true that you led the night raid resulting in the arrest of Itaru Tachibana in 1942?
A: Yes
Q: And is it correct that Tachibana was a member of a Japanese spy ring?
A: Yes
Q: So that would mean that Tachibana, along with other spies, posed a threat to our national security?
A: Correct
Q: So you were aware of the disloyalty within the Japanese American population?
A: Correct
Evidence:
The Tachibana Case Files
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll12/id/25994
Files from the Tachibana cases regarding Itaru Tachibana's arrest after the Pearl Harbor attacks. Kenneth Ringle led the raid.
This evidence shows evidence of espionage that Kenneth ringle had knowledge of. It could discredit the Ringle Report.
n/a
Direct-Examination: Defense
Witness: Margaret D’ille Gleason
Witness Direct Examination Question and Answer:
Q: Where did you acquire your teaching skills from, Mrs.Gleason?
A: I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. I have also taught for a few years and traveled the world to different schools.
Q: When did you first arrive at Manzanar?
A: I started working there in 1942. I worked as the chief of community welfare and head counselor.
Q: Could you tell us about the living conditions at Manzanar?
A: All families were able to stay together and sleep together. If the children were not in school, they would be out playing a wide variety of sports. There was a basketball team, football team, and soccer team. They would even compete against the other school districts.
Q: Would you say that these people felt like they were being mistreated?
A: I wouldn't say so. They were able to work, go to school, play sports, join clubs, and even celebrate holidays. We even had presents shipped to the camp for the kids during christmas.
Q: Would you say these pictures accurately depict Manzanar?
A: Correct
Evidence:
Pictures of Manzanar Internment Camp
http://manzanarnow.blogspot.com/2013/05/sports-at-manzanar.html
https://nthp-savingplaces.s3.amazonaws.com/2015/11/27/02/51/05/827/ManzanarRockGardens_HistoricBlock6MessHallGarden_crManzanarNHS.jpg
Pictures shedding a positive light on Manzanar by showing the different sports teams, rock garden, and kids playing.
This will show that the living conditions at Manzanar were suitable for families and children.
n/a
Witness: Margaret D’ille Gleason
Witness Direct Examination Question and Answer:
Q: Where did you acquire your teaching skills from, Mrs.Gleason?
A: I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. I have also taught for a few years and traveled the world to different schools.
Q: When did you first arrive at Manzanar?
A: I started working there in 1942. I worked as the chief of community welfare and head counselor.
Q: Could you tell us about the living conditions at Manzanar?
A: All families were able to stay together and sleep together. If the children were not in school, they would be out playing a wide variety of sports. There was a basketball team, football team, and soccer team. They would even compete against the other school districts.
Q: Would you say that these people felt like they were being mistreated?
A: I wouldn't say so. They were able to work, go to school, play sports, join clubs, and even celebrate holidays. We even had presents shipped to the camp for the kids during christmas.
Q: Would you say these pictures accurately depict Manzanar?
A: Correct
Evidence:
Pictures of Manzanar Internment Camp
http://manzanarnow.blogspot.com/2013/05/sports-at-manzanar.html
https://nthp-savingplaces.s3.amazonaws.com/2015/11/27/02/51/05/827/ManzanarRockGardens_HistoricBlock6MessHallGarden_crManzanarNHS.jpg
Pictures shedding a positive light on Manzanar by showing the different sports teams, rock garden, and kids playing.
This will show that the living conditions at Manzanar were suitable for families and children.
n/a