Riley Renews Mock Trial Team
Written by: Lilian Trihn Ho
When I asked Danica Szabo, the President of Mock Trial why she brought Mock back to Riley she answered saying,“Mock Trial exists for those students that are more interested in English and social sciences. I know for me, personally, I have always been more interested in nonSTEM subjects. That is where my love of law was born, and I think with Mock Trial more people can figure out their interests outside of STEM.”
Mock Trial was once a really great club here at Riley High School with the team even going to state. After that, the club no longer existed from lack of interest from the kids those years after. But now the Mock Trial club is back up and going strong. You may be wondering what Mock trial is and what it entails.
Although this club is a serious setting club and there is little room for error it is still a really great club to join for those interested in the law. To get more insight on what the members' roles were, I asked a student who is a Defense Attorney for the case they are currently working on her name is Madison Ring this is what she said: “My role in mock trial is to create questions to make a solid defense, as well as poke at the flaws that the prosecution has. I am a defense attorney in the case so I am the main person who is cross-examining and badgering the witnesses to get the best possible answers and to build up my case.”
Have you ever wanted to be a lawyer or had thoughts about being a lawyer?
Well, that is why Mock Trial is a great club for you to join. Not only is this a great club to figure those things out but it also allows you to get exposure to judges and lawyers who know what they are doing. They tell you about the daily things they do and what life is like as a lawyer. Mock trials have many benefits that come with being in the club from creating a background story to critical thinking.
To get further insight into the benefits of Mock Trial we asked a history teacher who is also the coach for Mock Trial his name is Richard Harman and here is what he had to say, “Mock Trial helps students gain confidence in their ability to speak in public and it also makes you think on your feet. To do well in a Mock Trial you have to be able to think logically and present your argument in an ordered manner.”
Even if you may have a little tiny thought of a career in the law, this club will help you figure out if it’s truly what you want to do.
While Mock Trial is heavily focused on the law side of things, the acting is a large part as well. If you're interested in theater or acting this would be a great role for you. As a witness you have to remember your statements; these are basically your scripts. When you are being questioned you have to be in character. You have to really know your character ins and outs in order to portray to the jury your story. The better the jury believes your acting the more points your team would get. Not all parts of Mock Trial are about the attorneys and the case; it is heavily relied upon by the witnesses as well.
As a team we all have to play our parts and do our best; Mock Trial isn’t about who will win the case but who presents themselves in a professional way, it’s also about how you present the case to the court and how confident you are playing your role.
If you are still unsure about the club you should definitely still join, not only is it a great way to meet new people or to hang out with your friends, you might end up really liking it. This club has so many great benefits, not only does this club help you get lots of exposure to the law side of things. So if you end up not liking it you’ll still come out of it being able to be confident in front of an audience and learn more things about the law you didn’t know before.
