Verona Verdict Organizer
Verona High Court
Official Case File: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Lead Investigator:
Date of Filing:
Part I: Opening Statement
1. Address the Court & Identify Suspects
Complete the formal introduction by naming your two primary suspects:
As a concerned citizen of Verona, I am reaching out regarding the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet. It is clear that and are heavily involved in this disaster.
2. Context Summary
Briefly explain how these two characters were involved in the events (1-2 sentences):
3. The Verdict (Argumentative Thesis)
Use this frame to establish your main claim while acknowledging the counterclaim:
While some people believe should be punished for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, I believe that truly deserves the blame because .
Part II: Evidence Against Suspect #1
Topic Sentence (Specific Claim)
should be held responsible for the tragedy because .
Scene Context (Lead-in)
What is happening? Who is talking? What just happened in the play?
Integrated Play Quote
Include quotation marks and a citation (Act.Scene.Line).
Analysis: Explaining the Evidence
How does this prove their guilt? Stems: "This demonstrates..." | "Because of this action..."
Expert Testimony Analysis
Integrate Expert Quote (From Archive)
Stem: According to researcher [Name], "[Quote]" ([Name]).
Connecting Analysis
How does this expert's idea support your blame of Suspect #1?
Part III: Evidence Against Suspect #2
Topic Sentence (Specific Claim)
Furthermore, should also be held accountable for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet due to .
Scene Context (Lead-in)
Integrated Play Quote
Analysis: Explaining the Evidence
Expert Testimony Analysis
Integrate Expert Quote (From Archive)
Connecting Analysis
Part IV: The Defense
1. Identify the Opposing Argument
Who do OTHERS blame that you are defending? Why?
Some people may argue that is the primary person responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
2. Evidence for the Opposition
Briefly explain the common reason for blaming this character:
3. The Rebuttal (Your Counter-Point)
Address why the opposing argument is weak: "However, this is incorrect because..."
4. Final Defense Sentence
Therefore, while may have played a role, the ultimate responsibility still lies with .
Part V: The Final Verdict
1. Restate the Thesis
In conclusion, although some people believe should be punished, it is clear that is the one truly responsible for this tragedy.
2. Summary of Proof
Quickly summarize your two strongest pieces of evidence:
3. Suggested Sentence & Closing
The Prince should order the following punishment for this character because...
Evidence Archive
Authorized testimony for use in Body Paragraphs 1 & 2. Ensure you attribute these ideas correctly using the author's name.
Testimony A: Structural Analysis (Kerschen)
"The play begins with a fight scene between servants of the two families and ends with a peace agreement between Lords Montague and Capulet. The family feud could then be seen as a bookend structure around the lovers' story."
Testimony B: Chain of Causality (Kerschen)
"The family feud causes Paris to assume that Romeo has evil intent and the resultant fight costs Paris his life. The entrapment and despair that the feud has precipitated next results in the death of both Romeo and Juliet... it would be easy to see this play as being about the feud, not the lovers."
Testimony C: Character Rage (Dupler)
"When [Romeo] slays Tybalt in an uncontrolled rage, he sets into motion the tragic ending of the story."
Testimony D: Cultural Context (Gibson)
"The feuding of the Montagues and Capulets reflects a well-known aspect of Elizabethan England: violence was commonplace."
Citing Your Evidence
When using these quotes, attribute them to the author in parentheses at the end of your sentence. Example: (Kerschen).
