John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial

How did John Adams' defense of the British troops during the Boston Massacre Trial demonstrate his commitment to justice?

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Who was John Adams? What was his role in the trial of the British soldiers?
• What was his purpose in defending the soldiers? How did his purpose relate to the virtue of justice?
• What character traits did John Adams demonstrate in his role as defender of the British soldiers?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will examine John Adams’ defense of the soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial and how Adams acted justly.
• Students will develop ways in which they can act with justice in their own lives.