Mock Trial

As a small school, Masterman is certainly limited in the scope of clubs that it can offer. For a long time, Masterman did not have a mock trial team. This competitive club is a staple at many other schools and gives students the opportunity to portray both attorneys and witnesses and prepare evidence-based arguments that are based on a mock case that are defended in a real courthouse. Masterman’s Mock Trial team was initially founded by Malcolm Miller ‘22 and Sophie Gala ‘22 who saw a need for a club that requires equal amounts creativity and competitiveness, qualities that Masterman students have in abundance. Masterman’s Mock Trial team is now in its 5th year with 3 teams that compete in invitationals, scrimmages and the national tournament. This year, Masterman saw unprecedented successes with the two development teams making it to the “Sweet 16” round and the standard team (that competes in the more difficult, standard league) making it to quarter finals. 

One of the most difficult aspects of Mock Trial, according to President Rennie Lee, is the commitment that is required from interested students at the very beginning of the year. While the official case that will be the basis for the trial is only released in mid-November, teams need to be finalized and submitted to the national organization by the end of November. Furthermore, in order to become proficient in the world of mock trial, new students must attend club meetings for months prior to the release of the case. These meetings teach students the language of the court, strategy for how to present an argument and how to properly portray a witness in a way that is advantageous to the team. “I always tell people that they should come to a few lessons even if they are unsure about joining the club” says Lee. 

This timing makes it difficult for new students, typically underclassmen to join, there were a few eager freshmen who joined the team this year. While they joined too late to be a part of the competing team, they became timekeepers which is a vital part of the overall success of the program. A bulk of the competing teams are typically made up of mostly juniors and seniors because in order to keep the teams competitive it is necessary to keep them small. However, as the seniors graduate, this will provide more opportunities for younger members to play a more active role. 

Every year, Masterman’s Mock Trial team works to grow and expand. This year, they were invited to the LaSalle invitational. This allowed the team to gain helpful experience and hear powerful insight from more seasoned teams. Furthermore, it demonstrates Masterman’s ascension to a more serious team within the mock trial circuit of Greater Philadelphia.