(Courtesy/Dr. Bundy)
After months of preparation, my fellow Mock Trial teammates and I competed in the 43rd Annual Ohio High School Mock Trial competition at the Delaware County Courthouse on Friday, January 30. Sixteen students participated, with 8 arguing as the prosecution and 8 arguing the defense. In the months leading up to the competition, students put in dedicated hours to master case materials, testimonies, procedures, and arguments.
Both teams focused on the case of the State of Buckeye vs Morgan Remy, examining the Fourth Amendment, privacy, and consumer genetics companies. This case exemplifies the intersection of forensic science and constitutional protections against unlawful searches and began with the murder of Caleb “CJ” Jansen, and how nearly twenty-five years later, a student’s DNA led to the arrest of the murderer, Morgan Remy. The trial centers around Remy arguing that law enforcement violated the Fourth Amendment by using his DNA without a court order or warrant.
Senior and co-president of the team, Hanna A. said, “Mock Trial is a very realistic way to get a true sense of what it would be like to be involved in a trial, not just as witnesses but as attorneys.” Competing with real judges and lawyers in authentic courtrooms helps students gain a more professional experience and challenges students to develop public speaking and critical thinking skills. Additionally, students are urged to step out of their comfort zones. Each competition and trial supports teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
Our 4 teams were split into separate trials, held between 2 morning and 2 afternoon trials. Prosecution teams argued in the morning, while the defense competed in the afternoon sessions. Each team presented opening statements, conducted direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and concluded with closing statements. Judges submitted scores and offered feedback.
Junior and team member since her freshman year, Meera S. said she “really enjoyed being a part of the team and is proud that it has improved so much, especially after advancing to regionals this year.”
Team 2 emerged victorious, marking our first time in the club’s history that we have qualified for regionals.
Congratulate and cheer on your Mock Trial team as we head to regionals on February 20.
