Back to the Imaginarium
Ages 13–16Mystery
Supreme Court Dinner Challenge
An advanced mock trial for older teens — fictional cases, detailed research, and full courtroom proceedings.
The Supreme Court Dinner is an exciting family activity that brings legal drama to the dinner table. It's perfect for older kids who are ready to think critically, research arguments, and step into the shoes of a Supreme Court Justice. This dinner challenge involves role-playing as members of a courtroom, presenting and debating legal cases, and delivering a verdict. It's a great way to spark discussion, foster learning, and create unforgettable family moments — plus, you get to enjoy a delicious meal together.
Take breaks when needed according to the attention span of your children and your own. When this endeavor becomes a chore, the positive aspects of learning are lost. The point is to bond and learn surprising things from, and with, your family.
Gather Your Supplies
The Provisions
Props
- Makeshift gavel: wooden spoon, small mallet, or large toy hammer
- Nameplates for Counsel and Justices (small chalkboards or printed cards)
- Courtroom signs: 'Plaintiff,' 'Defendant,' 'The Court'
- Small 'witness stand' setup for added drama
- Robes (bathrobes work fine) or buttoned-up shirts for the Justices
- Legal pads, pens, and printed case documents
- Courtroom music soundtrack or gavel sound effects
Recipes & Food
- Roasted chicken or a hearty main course for the 'verdict dinner'
- Side dishes that can be prepared during research days
- Easy-to-prepare meals for Days 1–4 while the family focuses on case preparation
- A celebratory dessert for after the verdict is delivered
Language & Music
- Learn legal terminology: plaintiff, defendant, counsel, deliberation, verdict, precedent
- Discuss the Constitution and how laws align with it
- Research past Supreme Court rulings and legal precedents
- Practice persuasive speaking and building logical arguments
- Discuss the implications of the ruling for the people involved and society at large
Peripherals
- Printed case documents (real or fictional)
- Legal pads and pens for note-taking
- Courtroom soundtrack or gavel sound effects
- Comparison sheet for the family's verdict vs. the real ruling
Your Week of Wonder
The Five-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Choose a Case and Assign Roles
- Select a case: a real Supreme Court case (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education) or a fictional one
- Fictional case ideas: School Uniforms (freedom of expression), Social Media Privacy, Environmental Protection
- Assign roles: Counsel for the Plaintiff, Counsel for the Defendant, and the Justices
- Counsel will argue their assigned side; Justices will deliberate and vote
- Prepare dinner and discuss the case overview as a family
2
Day 2
Research the Case and Prepare Arguments
- Counsel gathers information: case facts, legal precedents, and key arguments
- Look at past rulings, public opinions, and expert testimony
- Counsel tip: build a clear argument, present facts logically, use evidence
- Justices review the case as a neutral party — think about legal principles and the Constitution
- Justices research: what makes a strong argument? What qualities should they look for when voting?
- Prepare dinner while discussing research findings
3
Day 3
Prepare Opening Statements
- Counsel writes opening statements — summarize the argument and lay out the case
- Opening statements should be persuasive but concise
- Counsel tip: grab the Justices' attention, introduce the case clearly, lay out main points
- Justices practice asking questions — what do they need to know to decide?
- Justices think about which aspects of the case are most important
- Prepare dinner and practice delivering opening statements
4
Day 4
Decorate the Courtroom & Set the Scene
- Make a makeshift gavel from a wooden spoon, small mallet, or toy hammer
- Create nameplates for Counsel and Justices using chalkboards or printed cards
- Label areas: 'Plaintiff,' 'Defendant,' 'The Court' — set up a 'witness stand'
- Counsel dresses professionally (suit or button-up); Justices wear robes (bathrobes work)
- Gather legal pads, pens, and printed case documents
- Play courtroom music or gavel sound effects to set the atmosphere
5
Day 5
The Supreme Court Dinner Trial!
- Set the courtroom table with all props, nameplates, and documents
- Opening Statements: each Counsel presents their argument to the Justices
- Questioning: Justices ask questions to clarify points, interject with objections or concerns
- Closing Arguments: each Counsel summarizes their case and responds to issues raised
- Deliberation: Justices discuss the case, reflect on arguments, laws, and precedents
- The Vote: Justices cast their votes and the case is decided
- Compare the family's ruling with the actual court decision (if a real case) — discuss what you learned
