Judge Colton poses prior to a simulated court session in civics class that reacted the 1994 MGM v. American Honda case that proved MGM violated copyright laws.
Students jumped quickly to their feet as Hayden, who portrayed a bailiff shouted, “All rise, the Honorable Judge Colton presiding.” Judge Colton entered the room in a traditional black robe. He set a gavel on the desk as a pair of reading glasses slipped to the end of his nose. The two students were among other members of the ninth grade civics class who re-enacted the 1994 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s claim that American Honda Motor Co. and its advertising agency Rubin Postaer and Associated violated copyrights to sixteen James Bond films and the exclusive intellectual property rights. Students played roles of: judge, jurors, bailiff, court clerk, court reporter, lawyers, executives and experts who had various parts of a script developed that replicated the case. In the end, the jurors complied evidence during deliberation to find American Honda liable, just as the real jury did over two decades ago. “This lesson taught us how a court system works and what it would be like in a real courtroom,” said Colton. “It was interesting because we all know who James Bond is and this was a real case that happened. With as many people copying others today, I’m glad we still found them (American Honda) liable, just like they did before. It helps us realize that our court system is designed to be fair,” added Colton.
The students took nearly two weeks to complete the project that is integrated into the judicial portion of their civics lesson that teaches the three branches of government. Interactive computer games are also one of the many tools used in this year’s ninth grade civics course students are enjoying as they explore and learn how American civics works.
Judge Colton poses prior to a simulated court session in civics class that reacted the 1994 MGM v. American Honda case that proved MGM violated copyright laws.