Your Honor, may I be heard?
Starting on Monday, September 16, the long awaited mock trial season will officially be back in session. This year, new and returning team members are gearing up to maintain the upper hand in the courtroom, with high hopes to claim victory at the county competition against their long-standing competitor, Dos Pueblos High School.
San Marcos casts its pride on the mock trial team, as it’s known for being of the best in Santa Barbara. For those who aren’t directly affiliated with the activity, becoming familiar with the rules of the competition can get complicated, so here are the basics:
As the name suggests, a mock trial is a simulation of a trial that would happen in a courtroom.
A single case is presented to all schools in the competition, and each team is only allowed the information in fine print from the case packet to use for arguments and evidence.
Each student will either take on the role of a trial attorney, witness, or pre-trial attorney, and they are divided into two groups: prosecution and defense.
During a trial, a timekeeper will let the courtroom know how much time is left for opening statements, direct and redirect examination, cross examination, pre-closing preparation, closing arguments, and rebuttals.
All season, the team practices and runs through scrimmages with other schools, ultimately making their way up to the county competition, where a ranking ceremony is held at the end of a long day of trials. Already, developments in the team’s schedule are being made to give them an advantage as they carry on into the season.
“What’s new this year is we’re getting an early start with more competitions in the fall to prepare us for the county finals in the winter,” said Mr. Orhn, who coaches the mock trial team and teaches AP US History.
When asked about the specific qualities he seeks out, Ohrn explained, “We look for people with dynamic personalities who can think on their feet and work well in a team situation.”
Given that mock trial requires students to constantly think on their feet and problem solve under pressure, it’s no secret that the rigor pushes them to find their voice.
“Throughout my experience in Mock Trial, I have grown in my confidence and public speaking. In court, you have to establish a very bold presence,” said senior Reese Danhauer, who is looking to be a trial attorney for the defense team this year.
Similarly, senior Luana Acosta explained, “My favorite part about mock trial is being able to develop my public speaking skills!”
It’s also worth mentioning the kind of community that members find in mock trial. On this topic, senior Ilan Abramov said, “My favorite part of being on the mock trial team is the community that is built around it. You end up spending a lot of time with very driven, supportive people.” A majority of the team has been involved for at least two years and as Mr. Ohrn described it, the team is “like a family”.
Students are always encouraged to attend the competitive trials, whether it’s to watch a friend or support a family member. Because scrimmages are currently taking up the calendar, the best time to see mock trial in full swing is later in the season as the competition gets intense. Dates are yet to be specified, however, March is when you should expect to see finalists emerge for county. It’s truly inspiring to see how countless hours of preparation come together as the team debates and rebuts at each event. So consider seeing a trial for yourself and supporting their hard work, you won’t regret it.
Case closed.
