Students Get Taste of Trial

Post date: Jun 5, 2017 1:35:44 PM

By: Ethan Miller

This past week at Lehighton Area High School, a group of students received a glimpse into the world of law through a well crafted mock trial. Mr. Kotch, a computer

science teacher at Lehighton, has produced trials such as this for the past three years with his Business Law classes. His goal: give students an idea of what a real criminal trial resembles. All students in the class received a vital role in the case or courtroom. The week before the mock trial, Mr. Kotch’s class worked diligently, researching their parts, practicing lines and interviewing witnesses. When it came time to produce the trial, all participants sprung into action. The scenario given places Mike Mean (portrayed by Tanner Haydt) in custody for the “murder” of Ms.Candy Kane. Two teams of lawyers, the prosecution, and the defense, aimed at the jury and fired ferocious arguments intent on proving their points. The prosecution, led by Samuel Mase and Josh Folio with the goal of seeing Mike Mean imprisoned for the supposed murder of Candy Kane. Defense Attorneys Michael Mayernick and Ethan Miller vigorously fought to free their client. Bailiff Tyler Shupp opened court by introducing the judge and swearing in the jury. Judge Tyler Dietz presided over the case while the prosecution and defense heard testimony and cross-examined. After almost two days of statements and rebuttal, the jury convened privately in the back of the classroom. For nearly 25 minutes, the jury deliberated. Outside the room, passersby could hear violent outbursts and arms flailing. Finally, the jury came to a decision. Ten believed Mr. Mean was innocent; two felt as though he was guilty. In a real court of law, this would have been called a "hung jury " and an entirely new trial would commence. For the sake of time, the trial was called a draw. The outcome is irrelevant when considering the valuable experience the students received.