Mock Trial Recap

By Kate Bulanda ᐧ Mar 24, 2025

Oxford, OH — At the beginning of each school year, schools around Ohio begin preparing for the OCLRE Mock Trial Program. The OCLRE (Ohio Center for Law Related Education) creates a chance to improve student's understanding of the law, presenting skills, and teamwork through simulated trials and competitions in real courtrooms with legal professionals acting as volunteer judges. In early September, the case is released and teams spend months preparing cross examinations, direct examinations, and statements to support their case. The case is always civil, dealing with constitutional issues. Each trial has two witnesses and two attorneys per side. This year Talawanda had two teams, one represented entirely by freshmen, the other by a combination of sophomores, juniors and seniors.  

Team 1: Brady Arnos (9), Corinne Gieske (9), Bryn Goff (9), Lyla Isgro (9), Evie Jeong (9), Vincent Liu (9), Milo Reitz (9), Ian Sullivan (9), Max Timmerman (9)

Team 2: Luke Cheng (12), Addie Danner (12), Cameron Gieske (12), Nihal Menezes (11), Katelyn Bulanda (11), Shr-Lin Moore (11), Melody Miao (10), and Olive Rice (10)

This year, the case Denver Saidi v. Wyatt Latu covered a preliminary injunction for a defamation charge. High school student Wyatt Latu created an AI deep fake video of principal Denver Saidi giving a speech at a school dance. In the deep fake, Saidi referenced drinking and driving, and evading law enforcement; two crimes he did not actually commit. In addition to being principal, Saidi was also running for an open seat on city council, and was furious. He sued Latu for defamation, leading up to the trial the students had to reenact. 

Dr. Weatherwax has coached the program for the last 15 years. To prepare for OCLRE competitions, Talwanda attended Miami University’s Mock Hawk invitational, judged by Miami University students in December. Team 1 and Team 2 scrimmaged at the high school in early January to prepare for the District meet. The Banquet took place on February 13th to celebrate the season. Here is a closer look at the 3 biggest competitions of the season:

Districts: January 17, 2025

The district competition was at the Butler County Common Pleas Court in Hamilton. Team 1 and 2 had an excellent day, sweeping 6 of the 8 awards possible for attorneys and witnesses. Attorney Brady Arnos (Freshman) from Team 1 says “I think the competition went great, everybody played their parts well. It was nice to see everyone learn and grow throughout the season and wait to see what’s in store for 2025-26.” Team 1 had a strong end to their season and Team 2 qualified for the regional competition. 

Regionals: February 7, 2025

The regional competition took place at the Hamilton County courthouse in Cincinnati. Results came in an email that evening, announcing Team 2 made it to the state level competition. Each member of the team was there to celebrate. Witness Olive Rice (Sophomore) from Team 2 says “I remember being really sure that we didn’t make it to state after regionals. I think Mock Trial involves a lot of suspense and it’s difficult to know if you’re going to move on or if you’re cooked. When we made it, I was so relieved.” In preparation for the State competition, they scrimmaged a team from Cleveland over zoom. 

States: March 6-8, 2025

The State competition took place in Columbus Ohio at the Franklin County Courthouse. With around 300 students and 31 teams attending, it was a busy weekend. Talawanda faced Indian Hill in the defense trial and Buckeye Hill for the prosecution. The team did not advance to day 2 of the competition, however the teams swept the 4 awards possible. It was a strong end to the season, and each team member earned an award throughout the season. Attorney Cameron Gieske (Senior) from Team 2 says “I thought this year went great. Everybody got their chance to shine and prove why we made it as far as we did.” The team enjoyed the remainder of the weekend in Columbus, visiting The Book Loft, the Ohio Statehouse, and Condado Tacos. 

Talawanda Moot Court—focused on the Appellate Court Process—is now in full swing. Students will write a brief and craft oral arguments to present before judges. The competition will take place on May 2, 2025 at the Supreme Court of Ohio in Columbus. Talawanda looks forward to next year and what the 2025-2026 Mock Trial season will bring!