Mock Trial Makes Regionals

This year, Regional Mock Trial encompassed three competitions, all over Zoom. All three competitions occurred on Mondays after school during the month of February.

Despite holding the competition virtually instead of in person, the Mock Trial team still had a lot of fun when it came time to compete. “It can be nerve wracking and intense, but competing is super fun and educational,” said Ella Ferguson (11). All members of the team found new ways to grow in their skills and understanding of the legal process through their hard work and commitment to this year’s case. Cole Burmeister, the team’s Attorney Coach, said, “It was a lot of fun to see all of the hard work the team put in come together in those two final trials.” After their first two trials, the Mock Trial team advanced to Regionals.

Every trial has its ups and downs. A single objection can ruin any attorney’s well laid questions, so attorneys and witnesses must be constantly on their guard. Dylan Conover (12) said, “It’s a giant swing between stress and euphoria.” At times, there are moments of triumph when an objection rules in the team’s favor. On the other hand, there are moments of terror when an opponent objects to a vital, examination question. Overall, the stress and brief moments of panic are all worth overcoming in the end because the final feelings of success after a big case are truly rewarding.

For the first trial, the team acted as the Defense. Their job was to prove that the defendant, Chris Hall, was not willingly carrying the controlled substance methamphetamine. Although a bit nervous during the trial, the team received three out of three ballots, advancing them further in the competition. Their second trial, acting as the plaintiff, resulted in tough zero to three loss. While this was a major setback, the team got back up on their feet and fought hard at their next competition against the same team. That competition, both teams competed for a spot at State. The Mock Trial team ended up winning their final match at Regional Finals – two to one. However, advancement to state depends on total ballots won rather than the Regional trial, so the season was ended.

The team faced fierce competition this season. With a case full of twists and turns, the team made it all the way to Regional Finals, scoring a second place spot in their region. Even though they missed their shot at State by one ballot, the Mock Trial team had a successful and rewarding season nonetheless.