Witnesses, some jurors, prosecuting and defense attorneys were classmates, and the judge was instructor Jorge C. Milanes. Three of the six jurors were guests. Milanes, who wore a black robe for the trial, has been teaching students ethics this semester, and the death penalty trial was the ninth topic. Other issues students have argued this semester and in the five or six years Milanes has taught the course include abortion, animal rights, euthanasia, environment, job discrimination, sexual morality and affirmative action. It's really challenging for everybody.
Every class is different.
This group is really good, it's pretty intense at times. Milanes said the purpose of the class is to teach different sides of moral and ethical issues. The trial should wrap up today with six jurors rendering a verdict. The case students are currently debating is if a fictitious Texas governor, Thomas Clay, is morally guilty of signing and pursuing a death warrant for an accused murderer, also imaginary, Otis Robinson. Students role play both people.