Mock Trial Update

Sai Karnati, Staff Writer

On October 18th, the Mock Trial team kicked off its season with its first meeting. In this meeting, information was given out about what Mock Trial was, as well as an overview of how the season would go. This year, the team is led by Mr. Cate and Dr. Foulds.

Mock Trial is an activity that imitates how a real court works. Mock trial gives students a first-hand perspective of how the judicial system and the thousands of court cases in the United States work every year.

In Mock Trial, students act like attorneys and witnesses discussing a certain case. This year’s case is called State of Buckeye v. Adam Smith. Adam Smith was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, however, twenty years later, Smith filed a petition for a new trial, as he believes that his attorney in the original case mishandled cell-phone evidence. The cases from both the prosecution and defense will revolve around whether the outcome of the trial would have changed due to the original attorney’s mishandling of evidence.

Before participants step into real trials, they must do a lot of preparation. Teams should prepare both the prosecution and defense. In addition, students practice every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:00. This preparation continues until January, when competitions are held. The first competition, the District Competition, will be held on January 26, 2018.

In terms of the trials themselves, there are many stages in them. First, both teams will give their opening statements, outlining their contentions. After teams presents their opening statements, a series of examinations of witnesses will occur, including a direct, cross, redirect examination.

“Many people think you have to win the case in order to win mock trial, but actually, you are judged based off your performance,” said sophomore John-Shaw Moazami, a veteran of the team, “But typically those who win the case have a better performance.”

        In terms of the team, the Mock Trial squad has a lot of new and returning talent.

        “I feel like this year’s squad has the potential to do very well and is very motivated,” John-Shaw furthers.

        “This is my first year doing Mock Trial in high school. I’m really excited to be a witness this year,” said sophomore Jack Sacks.

        “This year I’m going to be a starting lawyer,” said sophomore Henry Massey, “Last year I was a bailiff, so I’m really excited to do something different this year.”

        Overall, the team is gearing up and expecting a good season.