Case Docket: The Case of the Leaked Quiz Answers

Background:

Ms. Rivera accidentally posts the answer key for tomorrow’s math quiz on the class website. A group of students in the class chat downloads the file. During the quiz, some students use the leaked answers to complete their work. When Ms. Rivera notices her mistake, she removes the file and announces that any student who accessed the answer key or cheated will receive a zero. Alex downloaded the file but never opened it—and still gets a zero. Alex and some classmates argue this punishment is unfair.

Key Principles at Stake:

• Fairness: Treating students equally and impartially.
• Justice: Applying the right consequence based on each student’s actions.
• Perspective-Taking: Understanding how different people feel and think about the situation.

Discussion Questions:

1. Responsibility and Fairness

• Is it fair to give Alex the same punishment as those who actually used the answers? Why or why not?

1. Justice and Proportionality

• What would be a just consequence for students who shared the file versus those who opened and used it? Think of at least two possible penalties.

1. Prevention and Teacher Role

• How could Ms. Rivera and the school prevent this kind of mistake in the future? Which idea best balances fairness and justice?

1. Perspective-Taking

• How might Alex feel about this punishment? How might Ms. Rivera feel about enforcing the rules? Describe each viewpoint.

Notes and Planning: (Team use)

Use the Debate Rubric to shape your arguments. Cite evidence, fairness, justice, and perspective-taking as you plan.

Debate Rubric: Ethics Court

Use this rubric to assess student performance during the Ethics Court debate. Five criteria are scored on a 4-point scale (4 = Exemplary, 3 = Proficient, 2 = Developing, 1 = Beginning).

Scoring:

• Total possible points: 20
• Score each criterion 1–4 and sum for a final debate score.

Use this rubric during Case Prep, Mini-Debate, and Jury Reflection to guide student planning and feedback.

Ethics Court Script (6th Grade)

Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher (T):
“Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re stepping into a real courtroom—well, our classroom transformed into an Ethics Court. Show Slide 1: Ethics Court

Our learning objective is this: Students will argue both sides of a school-based ethical case, citing fairness and justice principles.

Take a moment to think about what fairness and justice mean to you.

Advance to Slide 2: Objectives & Agenda

Here’s our agenda:

1. Assign Roles (5 min)
2. Case Prep (10 min)
3. Mini-Debate (10 min)
4. Jury Reflection & Verdict (5 min)

Any questions before we begin?”

1. Assign Roles (5 minutes)

T:
“Let’s meet the cast of our Ethics Court! Show Slide 3: Roles & Responsibilities

• Judge: Keeps time and order.
• Prosecutor: Argues the school’s side.
• Defense Counsel: Argues the student’s side.
• Jury: Listens carefully, deliberates, and decides the verdict.

I’ll call out names to fill each role. If you’re chosen, please stand here at the front. Everyone else, remain seated as members of the gallery.

[Distribute the Ethics Court Script and the Case Docket.]

Judge, do you understand your duties? (Pause for confirmation.) Prosecutor team and Defense team, please gather here and prepare for Case Prep.”

2. Case Prep (10 minutes)

T:
“Prosecution and Defense teams, open your Case Docket and read the scenario together.

Use the Debate Rubric to guide your planning:
• What is fair in this case?
• What is just?
• How can you show perspective-taking?

Questions to discuss with your team:

1. Who bears the most responsibility—Ms. Rivera or the students? Why?
2. What evidence from the case supports your view?
3. What counterarguments might the other side raise, and how will you respond?

I’ll circulate and check in.

(Turn on a timer: 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, I’ll say “Halfway there!”)
“Halfway there—two teams, how are your arguments shaping up?

”

(Timer ends.)
“Time’s up! Please return to your seats and get ready for the Mini-Debate.”

3. Mini-Debate (10 minutes)

T:
“Your courtroom is back in session! Judge, take your seat in the center. Show Slide 4: Courtroom Process

Judge, start the timer:

1. Opening Statement – Prosecutor (2 min)
   “Prosecutor, you have the floor.”
   (After 2 min) “Time!”
2. Opening Statement – Defense (2 min)
   “Defense Counsel, your opening statement please.”
   (After 2 min) “Time!”
3. Main Arguments & Evidence
   • Prosecution (3 min)
   “Prosecution, present your key evidence.”
   (After 3 min) “Time!”
   • Defense (3 min)
   “Defense, present your counterarguments.”
   (After 3 min) “Time!”

Judge, ensure everyone follows the timer and speaks respectfully. Refer to Slide 7: Debate Guidelines

Any quick clarifying questions? If not, let’s begin!”

4. Jury Deliberation & Verdict (5 minutes)

T:
“Thank you, debaters! Now, Jury, it’s your turn. Show Slide 8: Jury Deliberation & Verdict

Deliberate privately using the Debate Rubric. Discuss:
• Which side presented a more fair outcome?
• Which side upheld justice best?
• How did each side demonstrate perspective-taking?

You have 4 minutes. I’ll give a 1-minute warning. Go!”

(After 3 minutes) “1 minute remaining, Jury.”
(After 4 minutes) “Time’s up! Jury Foreperson, please announce your verdict and a one-minute rationale.”

—

5. Closing Reflection (3 minutes)

T:
“Thank you, Jury. Let’s reflect:

1. What did you learn about fairness today?
2. How did considering multiple perspectives change your opinion?
3. Why is it important to balance justice with compassion?

Turn to your neighbor and share one key insight.



(After 1 min-sharing) “Who would like to share their insight with the class?”

(Invite 2–3 students.)

“Great discussion! You’ve practiced critical thinking, debate skills, and empathy. I hope you’ll carry these skills into every decision you make.

Class dismissed!”