Welcome to Mock Trial, where drama meets justice and a case unfolds in front of a judge. In LHS’s Mock Trial club, students take on the roles of witnesses, lawyers, and judges, turning made up cases into intense courtroom disputes. Mock Trial offers experience in the court for students who want to work in that field, and an edge on a college resume.
“Students should join Mock Trial if they have interest in the law,” said social studies teacher Mr. Patrick Hanley, who is the club advisor.
Students are assigned to the prosecution or defense for a case and develop their arguments and questions based on evidence they are given. The opposing side is given the opposite side of the same case. A judge determines whichever side makes its argument best wins the case.
Students who join this club can also go on field trips to a local courtroom to have court competitions against other schools. Each school presents their argument and questions against each other with a real judge to rule the winner.
The team has had two trials so far this year, winning one and losing the other.
“The main goal of this year is to make it past the playoffs stage of the competition and, ultimately, to states,” said club captain junior Evelyn Gay. “Additionally, we aim to create a strong team that will last after we [captains] graduate. The increase in members since last year [from 15 to almost 40] has really solidified this. Overall, we want as many members as possible to participate in competitions as they help students with necessary public speaking skills.”
Mock Trial requires time to study a case and prepare effective questions and arguments. There is also a lot of teamwork required to have a functioning team and so the trials can go smoothly.
“Students have to work together, and use hard work and perseverance in Mock Trial,” said Mr. Hanley
If interested in Mock Trial reach out to Mr. Hanley or club captains Gay and Ivan Crocker.
