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Mock Trial is a competition in which students simulate a real trial. The trial concerns a fictional case that remains the same throughout the entire academic year. There are two sides to the case, prosecution, and defense. Prosecution lawyers and witnesses' job is to prove guilt and defense lawyers and witnesses must prove the defendant is innocent. Pre-trial attorneys argue on a motion or piece of evidence that could affect the case by connecting other real-life cases to the Mock Trial Case.
How Does Mock Trial Work?
How Does Mock Trial Work?
Pretrial attorneys will be grilled by the judge to discern which side of a legal technical issue should be followed during the trial. Student lawyers will present opening statements which provide enough details of the case to introduce the court to the presentation to come. Student lawyers will prepare direct examination questions which provide a succinct yet comprehensive script of a theatrical production which paints a picture of a skewed interpretation of the facts. Students will learn witness roles with meticulous attention to detail coupled with a dramatic flair for the character portrayed. Student attorneys will then provide a summation, a closing argument, discrediting the case presented by the opposition, and emphatically advocating for their client
Confused? Here's a breakdown of the roles
Lawyer:
There are at least two lawyers on each side of the trial. Lawyers must prepare questions to examine and cross-examine the witnesses and a closing and opening statement
Witness:
There are eight witnesses in the case. Witnesses are an acting role. Their job is to learn their statement and be able to answer questions about it.
Defendant:
The defendant is one of the witnesses. They are the one being accused of whatever crime the case is on.
Pretrial:
Pretrial lawyers argue on a motion that could affect what evidence will be used in the case. In a speech-and-debate like manner, they use provided real-life cases to present their points to the judge
Other roles:
Courtroom Artist: During the trial, the artist sketches scenes from the trial and competes against other high school artists.
Courtroom Reporter: Write a comprehensive article on the case as the trial unfolds.
Baliff: Swears in witnesses
Clerk: Keeps time during the trial
Why should YOU join Mock Trial?
The best students always find ways to enhance their resumes with an extracurricular activity like Mock Trial, and the accolades of achievements in Mock Trial will certainly benefit each student. Mock Trial is noticed by the examiners of college entrance applications who have experienced similar challenges.
Mock Trial develops a student's public speaking ability. Feedback from a judge, an attorney, or other legal professional provides invaluable insights to a student.
Mock Trial endows students to claim opportunities which will empower them to become worthy leaders.
-Stephen Dorsi
AGHS Mock Trial Lawyer Coach
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