Judge Martinez: (Rapping gavel) Court is now in session.

We are here to hear the case of

Mrithul
Opening Statement:

"Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today you will hear about a serious crime that
occurred on the evening of July 15th. Alex Johnson stands accused of attempting to murder
Taylor Morgan. We will present evidence showing that Alex, in a fit of rage, deliberately
attacked Taylor with a knife. The evidence, including eyewitness testimony and forensic
reports, will clearly demonstrate that this was not an accident but a premeditated act of
violence. As you listen to the evidence, we ask that you keep in mind the severity of the
crime and the impact on the victim. Justice demands that Alex Johnson be held accountable
for this heinous act."

Judge Martinez: Thank you, Mrithul. Nithes, you may present your opening statement.

Nithes:

Opening Statement:

"Your Honor, members of the jury, today we will show that Mr. Rithwik, Ms. Deetya and
Ms. Gopika is not guilty of attempted murder. What you will hear is that this incident was not
a case of attempted murder by my client. We will present evidence and testimony proving
that my clients’ actions were justified under the circumstances. This is a tragic
misunderstanding, and we trust that you will see the truth once all the facts are presented."

Mrithul:

"Ragavan, can you describe what happened on the evening of July 15th?"

Ragavan:

"I was driving home when there was a car parked in front of me. I drove forward when
suddenly the car turned towards me and as I looked at the window, a knife was pointed at me.
I was terrified for my life and I saw that there were these three people in the car thirsty for my
life!"

Prosecutor Roberts:

"Thank you, Ragavan. No further questions."

Nithes:

No questions my lord.

Mrithul : Can you explain what each of you were doing on July 15th ?
Deetya: I was with my friend Charan Sai. We were researching about insects as per the
demand of a new client we got at our business.

Gopika: I was with my friend too. Benjamin and myself were in the hospital collecting the
reports.

Rithwik: I was with my business partner. We were having dinner at the restaurant.

Mrithul:

Thank you.

Judge Martinez: The defense may call its witness.

Defense Attorney Lee: (Calling witness) "I would like to call Charan Sai, Benjamin and
Anirudh to the stand."

Charan Sai: (Sworn in)

Nithes:

"Charan Sai, could you please tell the court where were you when the incident took place?"

Chris Adams:

I was at Green Glory Park.

Defense Attorney Lee:

Was there anyone with you ?

Charan

"Yes, Deetya was with me. We were discussing about the research about insects.

Nithes

"Thank you, Charan."

Nithes:

"Benjamin, could you please tell the court where were you when the incident took place?"

Benjamin

I was at the Hospital.

Nithes
Was there anyone with you?

Benjamin

"Yes, Gopika was with me. We were collecting the reports from the hospital.

Nithes

"Thank you, Benjamin."

Nithes:

"Anirudh , could you please tell the court where were you when the incident took place?"

Anirudh:

I was at the restaurant.

Nithes:

Was there anyone with you?

Anirudh

"Yes, Rithwik was with me. We were having our dinner.”

Nithes

"Thank you, Anirudh."

Judge Martinez: The prosecution may now call its forensic expert.

Prosecutor Roberts: (Calling witness) "I would like to call Dr. Smruthe to the stand."

Dr. Ramirez: (Sworn in)

Prosecutor Roberts:

"Dr. Ramirez, can you describe the injuries sustained by Ragavan?"

Dr. Ramirez:

"Taylor had a small cut on his arm that was consistent with a knife wound. The injury was
minor but indicative of a direct assault."

Prosecutor Roberts:

"Thank you, Dr. Smruthe. No further questions."

Cross-Examination:

"Dr. Smruthe, was there any evidence to suggest that Taylor's injuries were life-threatening or
that he was in imminent danger?"

Smruthe

"No, the injury was not life-threatening. It was a superficial cut."

Nithes

"Thank you, Dr. Smruthe."

Judge Martinez: You may now proceed with your questions to the accused.

Mrithul:

Do you agree that this murder attempt was committed by you on July 15?

Deetya: not guilty.

Rithwik: not guilty

Gopika: not guilty

Mrithul:

Your Honor, may we present evidences that our client is not guilty.

Judge Martinez:

You may proceed.

(Evidences are brought in) ( Files stating that the accused are already charged of minor
robberies and files about Raj)

This clearly states the motive of the three. To revenge the dreadful incident of Raj.

Judge Martinez: The defense may now give evidences.

Defense Attorney Lee: (evidences brought in. Video clips of the deliberately failed surgery
taken by Gowtham)

I would like to call Gowtham

Persuasive Writing Techniques Incorporated:

 Opening Statements:
o Prosecution: Focuses on ethos (credibility) by emphasizing the severity of the
crime and the impact on the victim.
o Defense: Uses pathos (emotional appeal) to highlight the defendant’s
intentions and the context of self-defense.
 Witness Testimonies:
o Prosecution: Presents witness testimony to support the narrative of a
deliberate attack.
o Defense: Uses eyewitness testimony to frame the incident as a defensive
action rather than an attack.
 Forensic Evidence:
o Prosecution: Leverages logos (logical appeal) by presenting forensic evidence
to corroborate the victim’s testimony.
o Defense: Counteracts by questioning the severity of the injuries and
emphasizing the context of self-defense.
 Closing Arguments:
o Prosecution: Reiterates the evidence to reinforce the prosecution’s case and
persuade the jury of the defendant’s guilt.
o Defense: Summarizes key points to argue that the defendant’s actions were
justified, appealing to reason and fairness.

This script and the associated activities can help students practice persuasive writing within a
legal context, enhancing their understanding of argumentation and courtroom procedures.