Weaver High School and Kinsella Magnet School students in Mr. Cane’s Early College Enrollment History courses recently held a mock trial at the Hartford Superior Courthouse recreating the Lizzy Borden Trial. The trial was held in front of a three-judge panel led by Superior Court Judge Carl Schulman and staffed by real Court Clerks and Court Marshalls.
Each student assumed the role of a character in the real trial. Shantana Smith was the prosecutor and Kevina Johnson was the Defense Attorney. Mr. Cohen’s Civics class were the jury. Assistant State Attorney Sue Hatfield and Public Defender Laura Bryll assisted the students with strategies and served as co-counselors to the students.
In the real trial, Lizzy Borden was acquitted because many of the all-male jury members couldn’t believe that a woman could commit the crimes. In the mock trial, the jury convicted her of the murders.
The classes are made up of a mix of Weaver and Kinsella students. The courses are college level history courses through UCONN’s Early College Enrollment program in which students receive college credits. 
For more information please contact Weaver High School History Teacher, Tony Cane.