Mock Trial competes virtually in Duckpond Showdown
Posted January 2021
By Narden Ishak
Staff Reporter
The Mock Trial Team competed in an online tournament on Dec. 4, the first annual Duckpond Showdown, an invitational tournament hosted by University of Oregon’s own Mock Trial team against 26 other teams from all across Oregon.
Mock Trial is a competition in which students simulate a real trial, normally in a real courtroom, against another high school team. The DDHS Mock Trial Team, which currently consists of 25 members, including two senior captains, Rose Gbaanador and Nhi Nguyen, has been advised for the last five years by Global Studies teacher Joe Cornett.
“Mock Trial was an activity that I competed in myself, way back in the day,” said Cornett. “I knew what a great activity it was, and I was looking to put together an after school academic club for the Social Studies department. It started small, but from there it just took off.”
The team will be accepting new members next fall. The best way to join is by emailing Cornett at joe_cornett@ddsd40.org.
After splitting into two teams, all members competed in the Dec. 4 tournament. Senior captain Gbaanador received recognition on the all-tournament team for her role as a Defense Attorney, and junior Nausicaa Cromwell received recognition on the all-tournament team for her portrayal of a witness named “Danger Smith.”
“If you choose to join, Mock Trial will truly become one of the greatest experiences you will ever have in high school,” said Gbaanador. “Not only does it strengthen your critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills, you also make such great friends. Traveling to the courthouses (pre-COVID) and performing the entire trial in front of judges was such an exhilarating feeling.”
Before COVID-19 and online learning, the Mock Trial team used to take part in courtroom trials in an actual courtroom, including the Multnomah County Courthouse, and tried real cases as attorneys and witnesses against other schools, and were presided over by real judges.
“One of the most exciting parts of Mock Trial is the courtroom trials that we take part in,” said Cornett. “We are excited for next year's tournament because it will be held in the brand new courthouse that was just built downtown.”
This year, due to the pandemic, a new online format was used by the team for the first time. It’s the same format that real working courts have been using during the pandemic.
“What I can say about the online competition is that I’m super grateful that the organizers of this program have kept it alive through a time when students all over have been missing out on the clubs and programs that make school extra fun and meaningful, and that the online format works surprisingly well,” said Cornett. “Many of our team members are in it for the first time, and they’ve been courageous to join and give it a go in this wild new format.”
The Mock Trial Team competes in at least two tournaments each year, including one of the most important annual tournaments, the Multnomah County Regional tournament. Approximately 25 other teams compete there annually.
“In the past few years we have won quite a few rounds and even qualified for the state tournament,” said Cornett.
“Everything new can seem scary,” said Gbaanador. “Mock Trial isn’t an exception, but if you try your best, you’ll realize that there is nothing to be afraid of. You have teammates that will have your back if you ever get stuck. If you’re hesitant to join because you are scared, don’t be. Step out of your comfort zone, and you may find out that you truly love it. We want you on our team.”