Cognitive Restructuring
A structured framework for examining beliefs and statements — weighing evidence on both sides to reach a balanced, rational verdict.
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The Judge presides over the trial, overseeing the entire process — impartial, rational, and committed to finding the truth.
The Judge's task is to ensure that all evidence — both for and against — is heard fairly before delivering a final, balanced verdict.
Members of the Jury hear the evidence to determine the facts and deliver a verdict — guilty or not guilty — based on that evidence.
They remain impartial, listen to evidence from both the prosecution and the defence, and follow the judge's legal directions.
What statement or belief is on trial? Define it clearly before proceeding. We will be placing this statement or belief in the dock.
Type your statement into the box below.
Understanding your starting point helps reveal how evidence shifts your perspective by the end of the trial.
Before examining any evidence, rate your initial belief that this statement is true on a scale of 0 to 100%.
The courtroom process is designed to move beyond gut feeling and assumption — toward evidence-based thinking.
Both sides of the argument must be examined with equal rigour.
Distinguish between hard factual evidence and personal opinion throughout the process.
Consider what others would say — different viewpoints strengthen the quality of the verdict.
The goal is a realistic, rational closing statement — not simply confirming what you already believe.
The evidence is divided into two sides. Both must be examined thoroughly and honestly before any conclusions are drawn.
Evidence supporting the statement
Evidence challenging the statement
What tells you this statement or belief is true? What hard, factual evidence supports it?
List all evidence that argues in favour of the belief — be specific and honest.
What tells you this statement or belief is not totally true, all of the time? What is merely opinion, and what factual evidence is there?
Consider what witnesses — others who know the situation — would say.
The trial is complete. A balanced, evidence-based verdict replaces an unchallenged belief — the foundation of clearer, more rational thinking.
Initial belief rating (0–100%) before examining evidence:
Defence and prosecution arguments weighed fairly.
Final belief rating (0–100%) after a balanced review: