Famous Trials: Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators

Activity:

Display the date April 14, 1865, on the board.

Ask:

• What happened on this date?
• Why was Abraham Lincoln’s death such a pivotal moment in U.S. history?
• Students write a 2-minute quick reflection, then share in pairs.

Transition:
Explain that after Lincoln’s assassination, a real trial took place to prosecute the alleged conspirators, and today, students will recreate that trial.

Objective: Explain the purpose and structure of the mock trial.

Presentation:

Briefly explain the historical background:

• John Wilkes Booth assassinated Lincoln.
• Eight people were arrested and tried.
• It was a military tribunal, not a civil court trial.
• Share the lesson goal:

Students will research real evidence, assume roles, and conduct a mock trial based on the historical proceedings.

Show the Famous Trials Lincoln page on the projector or screen.

Objective: Assign roles and guide research.

Steps:

1. Assign Roles (or allow students to volunteer):

• • Judge (1)
  • Prosecutors (2–3)
  • Defense attorneys (2–3)
  • Defendants (8: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, George Atzerodt, David Herold, Samuel Arnold, Michael O’Laughlen, Edman Spangler, and John Surratt - discussed but absent)
  • Witnesses (optional)
  • Reporters (optional, write news articles about the trial)
  • Jury (if you have extra students)

2. Guided Website Review:

• Show where students can find biographies, trial transcripts, and images.
  Main research links:

Lincoln Assassination Main Page
Lincoln Trial Transcripts

Instructions for Research:

• Defendants: gather evidence to defend themselves.
• Lawyers: prepare opening arguments, questions, and closing arguments.
• Witnesses: prepare testimony.
• Judge: prepares opening and closing court remarks.
• Reporters: write headlines and short news reports.

Objective: Prepare arguments, defenses, and testimonies.

Group work:

• Students split into their role groups.
• Each group researches their assigned person and writes out:
  • Key facts
  • Evidence they want to use
  • Possible questions they expect to be asked
• Teachers circulate to assist, give feedback, and encourage citing evidence.

Tip:
Allow students to print or screenshot photos, maps, or documents from the website to use during the trial for stronger arguments.

Objective: Conduct the mock trial.

Trial Order:

1. The judge opens the session.
2. Prosecution gives opening statement.
3. Defense gives opening statement.
4. Witnesses testify and are questioned by both sides.
5. Cross-examination of conspirators.
6. Closing arguments by the prosecution and defense.
7. Jury deliberation (optional) and verdict announcement.

Teacher Role:

• Serve as court clerk if needed (timing, calling witnesses).
• Ensure students stay in character.
• Lightly moderate if students get stuck.

Evaluation Criteria:

Skills                                                                                 Points (out of 20)

• Use of historical evidence                                                  20
   
• Persuasiveness                                                                 20
• Creativity and role-playing                                                 20
• Collaboration                                                                     20
• Critical thinking (evidence-based argument)                     20

Total = 100 points

Objective: Deepen historical understanding and personal analysis.

Reflection Questions:

• Was justice served in the real trial of the conspirators? Why or why not?
• How might the outcome have differed with today’s legal rights and procedures?
• What was the strongest piece of evidence you heard today?

Students can:

• Write short essays.
• Post answers in a classroom discussion board (if digital tools are available).

Reliable Sources for Further Student Research

Famous Trials – Lincoln Assassination Trial
Trial Transcript Archive at UMKC
National Archives Lincoln Trial Resources
History.com - Abraham Lincoln Assassination Overview