By Madison Narain

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote, attributed to Martin Luther King Jr., lies at the heart of the legal system.  This statement means that injustice is not confined to only the situation or person in question. It weakens justice as a whole, even for those not directly affected by it.  While this idea is often discussed in courtrooms and history books, it is also illustrated by the students on the Nyack High School Mock Trial Team, who are learning how to uphold justice and get rid of unfairness. This requires not only an understanding of the law, but integrity, preparation, and a willingness to speak up.

The NHS Mock Trial time provides interested students with the prospect to examine how the justice system works through a series of practices, which eventually lead to simulated court cases. Team members take the roles of attorneys and witnesses, studying how courtroom decisions in reality are based on evidence, argument and ethical responsibility.  This program highlights students' ability to think critically, collaborate and speak publicly, skills that will support students beyond the courtroom.  With the support of a dedicated faculty advisor and legal professionals, students have opportunities to prepare for regional and state competitions, spending time rehearsing direct and cross examinations, analyzing case materials and evidence and crafting persuasive arguments to hopefully win over judges and/or juries.  

The mock trial team is more than simply a competitive extracurricular, it's a team that fosters an understanding of civic duty and the importance of not only acknowledging injustice but also fighting to rectify it.  By engaging with principles of fairness, the team is able to empower students to become articulate, informed and responsible members of their community.  Students can reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. 's statement through their work. They can begin to understand how society as a whole is connected. Whether or not we choose to acknowledge the infringement of rights to one individual or group, everyone will eventually be affected.  If we continue to ignore injustice and stay silent when others are treated with discrimination and inequity, we normalise unfairness and it continues to grow exponentially, until it has plagued the entirety of society.  Every single one of us has the opportunity to oppose injustice, even if we are not directly facing it.  True justice can not exist selectively, but must be applied to everyone in society equally.

Anyone here at Nyack that’s interested in becoming a member of Mock Trial should contact Ms. D'Alessandro with your name, grade, and school email address.