An Interactive Game
You’re the Judge
Laws are written with wiggle room on purpose. Words like “knowingly” and “reasonable” are there because the system needs YOUR judgment. Can you spot them?
6real-world cases
8magic words
3minutes to play
The Magic Words
When you see these words in a law, the law is asking for YOUR opinion. They are there because no rule can cover every situation, and they invite you to use your conscience and your judgment.
Knowingly / Knowing
Did they actually know what they were doing? Were they aware of the consequences? You decide if they really knew based on their actions, what they said, and the circumstances. There's no brain-scan test—it's your judgment call.
Recklessly / Reckless
Did they consciously ignore an obvious risk? Should a reasonable person have known better? You get to define "reckless" using your own life experience and common sense about what’s dangerously careless.
Purpose / Intent
What were they trying to accomplish? What was their goal? You judge their motive—not based on what they claim, but what makes sense given everything you've seen.
Reasonable / Substantial / Unreasonably
What counts as "reasonable" behavior? What’s a "substantial" risk? What’s "unreasonably" loud or dangerous? There’s no formula—YOU decide what meets that bar in this specific situation.
Lawfully / Unlawfully
Was the police conduct proper? Was the arrest legal? You can judge whether the authorities acted lawfully. This is huge power.
Violence / Force
Does pulling your arm away count as "violence"? Does a push count as "force"? You decide where the line is between normal human behavior and criminal conduct.
Deceit / Deception
Was someone actually tricked or lied to? Or is this just a misunderstanding? You judge if it crosses the line into real dishonesty worthy of punishment.
Maliciously / Malicious
Did they act with spite, ill will, or desire to harm? Or was it anger, carelessness, or accident? You decide if there was real malice or just human conflict. This separates cruel intent from everything else.
Educational disclaimer: This game is an educational tool not meant to accurately describe the laws of Virginia or any other jurisdiction. In a real trial, judges and lawyers will define specific legal terms for the jury.
Ready for the Real Thing?
A jury is not a rubber stamp. When conviction would be unjust, you can vote your conscience. Learn your rights before you serve — and read the stories of jurors who used them.