Script

Revolution on Trial: 

Prosecution Group Member Names & Roles: 

  • Patrick as Prosecution Lawyer 1 
  • Ava as Prosecution Lawyer 2
  • Noah as Prosecution Lawyer 3
  • Sabrina as Prosecution Lawyer 4
  • Alicia as Prosecution Lawyer 5
  • Declan as Witness / Zhang Gang 

Defence Group Member Names & Roles: 

  • David Payne as Lawyer 1.
  • Max Rasmussen as Lawyer 2.
  • Ben Tuck as Lawyer 3.
  • Ariane Clemente as Lawyer 4.
  • Gwen Lewis as Lawyer 5.
  • Max Louie as Witness / Sun Yat-Sen

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Clerk: Order in court, all rise. The honourable judge X presides. 

(Judge enters, takes seat and organizes gavel, documents etc.) 

Judge: You may be seated. 

Clerk: We would like to respectfully acknowledge that this court resides on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Specifically, the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. We respect the land and honour this tradition of land acknowledgment that dates back centuries for Indigenous people. With this acknowledgment, and as we come together to determine the effectiveness of this revolution, we thank those Indigenous people who still live on and care for these lands.

Judge: Are the defence and prosecution ready to proceed? 

(Patrick) Lawyer 1: We are, your honour. 

(David) Lawyer 1: We are, your honour.

Judge: Will the Court Clerk please read the information? 

Clerk: The Xinhai Revolution is being charged with being ineffective in creating a fair and functional society. As established by the PLP 9 court, an effective revolution contains six criteria. It must include the reformation of political systems aligning with the voice of the people, an increase of rights and freedoms for the people, a removal of a dictator with sweeping power, the achievement of financial stability, an improvement in standard of living, and the removal of internal conflict. 

Judge: The prosecution may now make an opening statements if they desire. 

(Patrick) Lawyer 1: Thank you your honour. (Insert Opening Statement here – 1 minute) 

(Patrick) Lawyer 1: Good evening, members of jury. My name is Patrick, and I am to serve as a prosecutor for this case. Today we will be presenting our case against the effectiveness of the 1911-1912 Xinhai revolution. We have discovered that this revolution did not accomplish a majority of the required criteria of an effective revolution. It is our belief that the events of the Xinhai Revolution directly caused an increase of internal conflict, continued national instability, and a political reform that diminished the voices of the people. With the evidence we will bring to the court today, we are confident that we will convince you to return a verdict of guilty.

Judge: The defence may now make an opening statement if they desire. 

(David) Lawyer 1: Thank you your honour. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury my team and I stand before you today to prove the effectiveness of the Xinhai Revolution which took place on October 11, 1911. In this trial there are 4 facts. I will present these facts to you, you will then look at the evidence and decide wether this revolution was effective or not. 

The first fact is this revolution brought freedom, equality, and jobs to the people of China. 

The second fact is that this revolution was the first revolution to end monarchy completely. The revolution ended 4000 years of monarchy, this created an opportunity for the revolutionaries to establish a republic and spread democratic ideas throughout China. 

The third fact is that the revolution bringing China into the 20th century created more economic stability and created far more job opportunities that required little experience. According to statistics, the Chinese working class numbered about 100,000 people before the Xinhai Revolution. That number increased to 1 million by 1914. 

The fourth fact is this revolution overthrew the autocratic corrupt Empire the Qing Dynasty which defied its own philosophical roots and went against what it stood for. Soon you will see how these facts prove how this revolution was effective.

 

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Judge: The prosecution may now call their first witness. 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: My name is Ava Robertson, and I’ll be conducting direct examinations with Noah Del-Fante. We call upon our witness, Zhang Gang, to the stand. 

Court Clerk: Take the PLP 9 norms in your right hand. Raise your left hand. Do you affirm that the evidence you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? 

(Declan) Zhang Gang: I do. 

Court Clerk: Please state your name and spell your last name for the record.

(Declan) Zhang Gang: My name is Zhang Gang. My last name is spelt G-A-N-G

(Ava) Lawyer 2: (begin Direct Examination 2 minutes) 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: Mr. Gang, please state your residency to the court.

(Declan) Zhang: I live in Wenzhou, a village in the eastern province of Zhenjiang. (zee-han-jang)

(Ava) Lawyer 2: What were your roles in your village?

(Declan) Zhang: I was frequently a mediator for conflicts between villagers, and I gathered information from fellow scholars.

(Ava) Lawyer 2: Am I correct to assume that you have allowed the court to use your diary as evidence during this trial? 

(Declan) Zhang: That is correct. 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: When did you start using this diary, and for how long did you use it?

(Declan) Zhang: I’ve used this diary for a majority of my life, and especially used it to record my experiences during the Xinhai Revolution. 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: As a citizen, what were your hopes for the revolution?

(Declan) Zhang: I wished that the revolutionaries would eliminate the unjust rules established by the Qing. 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: Was the new republic, created by the revolutionaries, able to destroy these “tyrannical policies?” 

(Declan) Zhang: No. In fact, I’ve observed that the Republic made China’s policies worse. Judicial officials had more abusive power. This stopped and worried mediators, like me, whom always resolved disputes peacefully.

(Ava) Lawyer 2: Could you further describe your struggles with the new legal systems?

(Declan) Zhang: Yes. Policemen fabricated charges, and “exceeded a proper degree of suspect arrest.” Many Judicial officials and Republican policemen didn’t even have proper trials, not caring who is legally right and wrong in disputes!

(Ava) Lawyer 2: Would this mean that, in initiating unfair arrests and fabricated charges, the revolution gave less power to the people, and decreased the living standards of citizens?

(Declan) Zhang: Yes, that is the truth.

(Noah) Lawyer 3: Since you are a well educated person and you could barely understand the unjust laws established by the Republic of China, do you agree that other citizens may be even more confused and helpless to these cruel policies? 

(Declan) Zhang: Yes, as I have previously stated, the new laws were confusing. Even though I am educated, these policies were still hard to understand. I can’t imagine how uneducated citizens would have interpreted these new laws. 

(Noah) Lawyer 3: No further questions.

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Judge: Does the Defence wish to conduct cross-examine?

(Ben) Defence Lawyer 2: Yes, your honour. My name is Ben Tuck, and I’ll be conducting the cross examination with Ariane Clemente. (Cross Examination begins 1 minute)

  • (Ben) Where were you during October 11, 1911?

(Declan) Zhang: As a citizen, I mostly lived in my village, Wenzhou. I often travelled to other villages during this time. I don’t remember exactly what I did that day, but I do remember eventually hearing about the revolutionaries. 

  • (Ben) What events do you think led up to the revolution?

(Declan) Zhang: There was a lot of unrest. Most people believed that the Qing Dynasty was weak, and that we needed a new ruler to bring us through the new century. I had hoped that the revolution would eliminate the tyrannical policies enforced by the Qing, but the new political system was radically different. Mediators became redundant, and judicial officials exerted more control over criminal proceedings.

  • (Ariane) How were you involved in the revolution?

(Declan) Zhang: I was not directly involved in the revolution. I was an ordinary citizen. However, through this trial, I hope to represent the voices of people like me. 

  • (Ariane) In your opinion, why might have the revolution been necessary?

 

(Declan) Zhang: The revolution was necessary in changing old policies, but the new changes became radical, and the people’s voices were lost. 

  • (Ariane) Regardless of any consequences that may have been due to the revolution, do you think the revolution itself was executed effectively?

(Ava) OBJECTION: Your honour, the effectiveness of a revolution depends on its results. How can you determine the execution of a revolution without considering and examining the consequences?

(Judge): Overruled.

(Declan) Zhang: As I was saying, I feel as if it was executed somewhat effectively due to the lack of major causalities. However, I feel as if a lot of the revolutionaries were rioting and disturbed the social order of China.

Ariane: No further questions.

(Clerk): Witness is dismissed

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Judge: The defence may now call their first witness. 

(Max R) Lawyer 3: Hello, my name is Max Rasmussen and I’m a defence lawyer for this case. I would like to call Sun Yat-Sen to the stand.

Court Clerk: Take the PLP 9 norms in your right hand. Raise your left hand. Do you affirm that the evidence you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? 

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: I do. 

Court Clerk: Please state name and spell your last name for the record.

(Max L) Yat-Sen: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Y-A-T-S-E-N.

(Max) Lawyer 3 Defence: (begin Direct Examination 2 minutes) 

  • In what ways did you aid the revolutionary movement?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: I am a revolutionary figure who helped in raising  funds for our cause, as well as recruiting members. Although I had not directly participated in the revolution, I contributed to the Revolutionary Alliance in a number of ways. 

• For what reasons did you want to revolt or uprise?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: The Qing dynasty was weakening during the years prior to the revolution, particularly due to the fact that the final Qing emperor, Puyi, was a minor. In the years leading up to the revolution, an increasing discontent regarding the dynasty grew among citizens.

  • What made it crucial to act on October 11, 1911 despite many previous attempts to uprise?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: Around this time, at least one third of the entire military force was part of our revolutionary movement. After records containing the names of revolutionaries were unexpectedly discovered, our people acted swiftly and fought back. The discovery of the identities of those on our side made it necessary to fight back. The fact that so many soldiers were on our side assisted us in the success of the revolution.

  • Seeing as you became the president of the Chinese Republic only after the revolution, would you agree that it was effective?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: I was elected as the president by deputies from all the provinces of China, after the Edict of Abdication was announced by Empress Dowager. The aforementioned edict was a peaceful agreement which established the success of the revolution, which Yuan Shikai largely made possible. The Qing empire was then replaced with the Republic of China, in exchange for the financial security and safety of Puyi and his mother. So yes, I would agree that it was effective.

(Max R) Lawyer 3: No further questions.

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Judge: Does the Prosecution wish to conduct cross-examination?

(Noah) Lawyer 3: Yes, your honour. (Cross Examination begins 1 minute)

(Noah) Lawyer 3: Mr. Yat-sen, I would like to confirm that creation of the Chinese Republic was your main goal through this revolution?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: Yes, it was. My goal was to free China from imperial rule. I wanted the Chinese people to get what they wanted: democracy. 

(Noah) Lawyer 3: Do you still believe that the creation of the Chinese Republic was effective in solving the issues your people faced? 

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: Yes, I do. The outcome of this revolution resulted in many positive things. For example, Chinese industry grew, China became more self-reliant, and the Qing dynasty was expelled. 

(Noah) Lawyer 3: Did you account for the corruption that Mr. Gang and other citizens witnessed? With our evidence, would it be fair to believe that the revolution only replaced the old system and changed it little politically, especially with Yuan Shikai as president.

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: Although the outcome of the revolution itself wasn’t necessarily ideal for everyone, it had freed China of imperial rule from the Qing dynasty for multiple centuries. The Chinese Republic had been fleeting, and to my belief, had not actually replaced the dynasty itself.

(Noah) Lawyer 3: When you state that the Republic had not actually replaced the dynasty itself, then how do you account for the corruption witnessed by Mr. Gang? Corruption and tyrannical systems existed during Qing Dynasty, but continued on with the “fleeting reign” of the Republic. 

(Sabrina) Lawyer 4: Mr. Yat-sen, I just want to confirm something with you, is it true that you were out of country on the date October 11th 1911, the start of the revolution? 

(MAX R): OBJECTION: The evidence presented lacks relevance.

Judge: Overruled, please reword your question.

(Sabrina) Lawyer 4: Mr. Yat-sen were you out of the country during the start of the revolution?7

(Max L.) Sun Yat-Sen: Indeed I was out of the country, I was fundraising for the revolutionary cause.

(Sabrina) Lawyer 4: Also, Mr. Yat-sen, did you mention that Yuan Shikai made the revolution’s success peaceful?

(Max L) Sun Yat-Sen Defence Witness: I believe that Yuan Shikai was very successful in some areas. He attempted to lead China in a period of tyranny, yet he ultimately failed. 

(Sabrina) Lawyer 4: Are you aware of how Yuan Shikai corrupted the system and deemed himself the new “emperor?” In doing this, do you believe that Shikai destroyed the Republic of China in the process? Does this not deem the revolution ineffective, since it only replaced one tyrannical rule with another? 

(Max. L) Sun Yat- Sen: I put my trust in Yuan Shikai. his failure to rule the Republic does not reflect my impact on this country or on this revolution! 

(Ava) Lawyer 2: A successful Republic system wouldn’t have allowed Yuan Shikai to take power in the first place. This man was able to deem himself the new emperor, destroying everything the revolution stood for. The decision in allowing Shikai to rule an unstable Republic, forced China into another revolution and a civil war only a couple years after. Does this not prove that Xinhai revolution was useless in the long run, and led to more suffering for the people? 

No further questions….

(Clerk): Witness is dismissed

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Judge: Thank you. Prosecution, please proceed with your closing statement.

(Alicia) Lawyer 5: What is the most important part of a society? A strong leadership and a stable, united system that represents the people! With all the evidence provided, there should no doubt, in the eyes of the court, that the revolution was unsuccessful.

(Alicia) Lawyer 5: Mr. Gang has testified that the Xinhai revolution caused China’s justice system to become corrupted, and created radical political change. Do you honestly believe that this is the change the people of China wanted? To be unfairly arrested and exploited by their new republican government?

(Alicia) Lawyer 5: This revolution was ineffective in solving internal conflict, and only brought suffering and bloodshed to the people. The Xinhai Revolution even led to more revolutionary conflicts, like the Chinese Civil War and the Communist Revolution. 

(Alicia) Lawyer 5: A healthy society should seek the truth! Not fabricate lies and condemn innocent citizens behind bars! If a revolution harms the people it’s liberating, then how can it be successful? It just clearly can not!

Judge: Defence Council, are you prepared to make your Closing statement to the Jury?

Gwen : Yes, your honour. 

Lady’s and gentlemen you must acquit this revolution for these following reasons. First, the Xinhai revolution benefitted the Chinese people greatly. It created more job opportunities, it led to a more stable economy, and overall it made China a better place to be. Since toppling the Qing dynasty, China has flourished as a nation, and grown into the world power it is today as well as making China more equal then it was before. 

The prosecution may say that this revolution was ineffective but that is a lie. The criteria for an affective revolution includes the reformation of the political systems aligning with the voice of the people. that was accomplished by the people with their take down of the Qing dynasty. The people made it so that six-year olds couldn’t be put in power of their nation. They made it so they could have freedom in choosing their leader like we have today. 

Quoting Zou Rong,”How sublime is revolution, how majestic! It is inevitable if China is to be independent; it is inevitable is to take its place as a powerful nation on the globe; it is inevitable if China is to survive for long in the new world of the 20th century; it is inevitable if China is to be a great country in the world and play the leading role. Stand up for Revolution

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Judge: It is now my turn to charge the Jury. Members of the Jury please consider all evidence that has been presented. Please offer a verdict of GUILTY to represent the revolution was ineffective, or NOT GUILTY to represent the revolution was effective. May I now remind you of the six criteria of an effective revolution established by the PLP 9 court. 

A revolution is effective must include the reformation political systems aligning with the voice of the people, an increase of rights and freedoms for the people, a removal of a dictator with sweeping power, the achievement of financial stability, an improvement in standard of living, and the removal of internal conflict.

The jury will have 2 minutes to deliberate. Please indicate your decision has been made by holding up your verdict ballot. The Court Clerk will be present to answer any questions. Your 2 minutes starts now. 

Judge: Court Clerk, have the Members of the Jury reached a verdict?

Court Clerk: They have, your honour. 

Judge: What is your verdict? 

Court Clerk: On behalf of the jury, we find the accused revolution “Guilty / Not Guilty”

Judge: Thank you for your participation in our trial this audience. Case closed. The jury may be dismissed. 

(Audience claps, Greeters turn on house lights and lead jury members to the door, revolution in Green Room gets set up, Greeters swap) 

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