This year’s case is about distracted driving. The imaginary trial involves A.C. Slater (plaintiff) and Kelly Kapowski (defendant). The two got into a car accident which resulted in both of the people being injured. Due to these injuries, they had to pay significant expenses for medical bills.

The plaintiff is suing the defendant, claiming their injuries were caused by the defendant’s recklessness and negligence while driving. The plaintiff demands judgment against the defendant for an amount in excess of $75,000.00.

The defendant denies these claims and says that the plaintiff was the one who was negligent. The defendant blames all their injuries on the plaintiff and is demanding the judgment against the plaintiff.

Mock Trial teaches students how to work well in a team. Students work together to research and analyze the case for facts which can help them prove that their side is right. Mock Trial also teaches students how to act appropriately, dress, and present yourself in a courtroom. Organization, public speaking, and cleanliness are key skills in mock trial and are necessary for those who wish to pursue law.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in room A231 Jamie Hendi and Susan Peterson supervise Mock Trial. Mock Trial is an imitation of a real court trial. Each school has to have three lawyers and three witnesses for each side of the case.

Witnesses are asked a question by the lawyers that will try to benefit the case and have to answer them to the best of their characters ability.

Lawyers analyze the affidavits of the witnesses and come up with questions that will either help or harm the witnesses case.

Previous lawyer, Sofia Schuller says, “Being a lawyer for Mock Trial is really fun because you get to lead the trials during competitions and you can work together with the other people on your team.”

First time participants are assigned as shadows. Shadows sit back and watch how witnesses get ready for their parts and how lawyers prepare for the case. They also help with research for the case. Being a shadow allows people who are kind of new to courts and cases become more acquainted with the process. Being a shadow this year will make you stronger and better for next year.

Both people were distracted while driving and were both unsafe on the road, but Mock Trial has to argue who was most at fault, recklessness, and careless in the case.

The first competition is January 9 against Urbana.

Students compete against other schools:  Sometimes the team represents the plaintiff and sometimes the defendant.  They have to develop the case to win either side.  In addition to lawyers, students portray the victims and the witnesses.  The cases are tried for a read Frederick County judge at the courthouse.  That judge determine which case was more convincing.  The team has a regular season, playoffs and finals.

A member of the class of 2018 Emily Albertson, says, “Mock Trial is like a family, we all work hard, and we all need each other to have fun and be successful.”

For people wanting to join Mock Trial next year, you should know that it’s a significant commitment. Depending on what position you’re assigned you may have to speak in front of a large court of people. Mock Trial is fascinating and fun and is worth joining.