The case was officially titled Rex v. Thomas Preston - and is the "Boston Massacre Trial". This was a real trial (Rex meaning "King" in Latin as all criminal matters in the 1770s are brought by the Crown) and all of the witnesses were real people to testify back in 1770 in History too.
This trial was that of Captain Thomas Preston- leader of the 29th regiment of British troops who were called in to stop a riot in progress that critically injured another soldier at the Boston Customs House. The mob present was protesting the tariffs that were being levied on goods imported through the Boston Port. In the kerfuffle, several British Soldiers fired into the crowd- killing 3 people on site who were armed with only clubs and snowballs. Captain Preston is standing trial as he is the one in charge of, and responsible for, the actions of his men. (In 1770, all of the soldiers were tried together as one large group).
Students have spent the better part of the last week preparing for testimony. Students were Judge, Jury, Attorneys, and Witnesses during the court proceedings. Students were able to give testimony, call witnesses, and make objections- just as in a real courtroom.
The biggest surprise of the trial came when Paul Revere (who actually testified) was called to the witness stand as a surprise- last minute witness for the Prosecution. Mrs. Bickler was an OUTSTANDING witness arriving in costume and fully prepared to be Mr. Revere.
The Jury deliberated for approximately 90 seconds before finding Captain Preston NOT GUILTY on the charge of Murder as he and his men were acting in self defense. (Interestingly, this is the same verdict that was reached by a jury of colonists in Boston in 1770 as well).