Our Judge mock trial team, which is the biggest mock trial team in the state of Utah, has just wrapped up their competition season by winning their trials but losing in pool play.
Mock trial is led by moderator Ryan Johnstone and a team of amazing lawyers who teach the participants courtroom manner and law. Mock trial is a national organization with a Utah state competition where school teams compete in trial simulations against other schools. In these events, students analyze a case and assume roles on either the defense or plaintiff side, with team members acting as lawyers, bailiffs, or witnesses. Competitions are structured in a round robin format, with teams facing off until each round produces a winner.
Mr. Johnstone said that the team has been preparing since October, teaching students the basics of courtroom rules and objections so they know how mock trial works for when the official competitions begin. After a new case is released in early January, the team dedicates itself to preparing for trial
“We have to write speeches and questions and you know the witnesses have to memorize their story that they’re telling, and everyone has to learn the case theory and plan out objections and how they’re going to use exhibits. It’s a lot of work but it’s very cool.” Mr. Johnstone explained. Preparing for mock trials can often be controlled chaos, but the way it all comes together in the end is fascinating to see and why the competitions are so fun.
This season’s case centers on a civil suit involving music copyright infringement. “There are two twins, and one twin accuses the other of taking and stealing his song and so it’s this copyright case that the students simulate in trial.” Johnstone explained, noting that besides the copyright there’s a lot of fun sibling drama and family rivalries to debate in the courtroom.
Our mock trial team has historically been very successful, taking fourth in the state last year. This year there’s a mix of seasoned juniors and seniors, a promising group of freshmen with prior mock trial experience, and several new students. The team has grown significantly.
“Definitely we’re the largest team registered in the state competition this year. I mean you know we’re fielding three teams, most high schools are fielding max two, mostly just one.” Mr. Johnstone said.
Competitions this year went from February 22 to March 1, but all three of the Judge teams were knocked out before the quarterfinals. However, the teams still performed well, with two teams winning three of the four trials they competed in.
