‘Objection! He’s leading the witness,? is not a common phrase used by high school sophomores. That is, unless they are members of their school’s mock trial team.
The goal of mock trial competition is to give students with an interest in law some tactile experience with the subject. Recently, members of the Clarkston High School Mock Trial Team got to practice in as real a setting as possible.
On the morning of March 4, team members met at the Oakland County Probate Court in Waterford for a dress rehearsal. They argued a counterfeiting case in preperation for a regional competition March 11.
The role-playing exercise was held in a courtroom, with Oakland County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Greg Townsend acting as judge.
In weeks prior, the students rehearsed everything from opening to closing arguments. They were given the facts ahead of time, and the witnesses were there to testify.
So was the suspect guilty? That is what both teams ? three prosectors, three defense lawyers ? had to prove or disprove, though the process was much more important than the outcome.
‘It makes no difference. They’re scored on contact, presentation, demeanor, knowledge of the case, all that stuff,? Townsend said.
‘It’s really competitive, I was shocked,? said team coach Peggy marck, who has been with the team along with John Zittel since the beginning three years ago. ‘I coached softball and this is much worse. It’s really nerve-racking.?
Tyler Boston, a sophomore, played a witness last year and this year. Boston said he has to learn the facts about the case from his character’s perspective so he can standup to questioning.
‘I have statements I’ve made that I’ve memorized and my facts, and we go over it with my lawyer; but the opposing lawyer, I don’t know what they’re going to say,? Boston said.
So whether or not the witness gives complete and factual testimony is up to the lawyers who examine them.
Determining who ends up as the six attorneys takes time, and Townsend, who along with fellow Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rob Novy, said they hold tryouts to determine who works best as the attorneys.
‘All these kids have a real interest in it and they’ve really taken to it. I think they’re doing a heck of a job,? Townsend said.
At the regional competition, the teams face off against mock lawyers from other high schools, arguing the same case with the same facts.
‘Last year we were able to advance to the state… some schools are practicing everyday,? said Novy. ‘We want to have fun, but keep it a good learning experience with out being overbearing.?
In between making corrections and providing stern advice to students, the coaches and attorneys are able to laugh at mishaps and make jokes.
During practice, Townsend remarked that he saw drastic improvement over several areas since the team first came together.
‘I think I speak for Rob that we’re both very proud of these kids… these kids are terrific,? said Townsend.