The starting journey of the GWHS Mock trial team

 By: Jiaxin Tang (Online Editor )

In-front of a real court judge, GWHS’s new mock trial team participated in the SF county mock trial competitions at the San Francisco superior courthouse from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6. The 18 team members created GWHS’s first ever mock trial milestone.

This first year was a learning experience for the GWHS mock trial team. “Myself and the attorney coaches are all new to mock trials. So we were learning with the students.” Said Mariah Rigsby, teacher coach of the team. Over five months, students conducted research on the case, studying the rules, practicing courtroom decorum and reinforcing their skills and confidence. The coaches were impressed by this newcomer team’s growth. “I was so impressed by our team’s performance at the competitions. Now the students know objections better than many attorneys!” Said Carley Bittman, one of the team’s attorney coaches.

The team argued People V. Gold, a hypothetical criminal case created by the Teach Democracy program. People V. Gold case packet contains witness statements, exhibits of evidence, constitutional case sources and more for students to utilize for preparing their simulated trial which involves pre-trial, opening statements, direct and cross examinations, and closing statements. As noted in the California mock trial team rule book, students also need to be clear on objections and trial administrations.

Similar to debate, two teams argue on opposing stances. The case was designed in detail so students need to examine the case with critical thinking skills. The prosecution of People V. Gold argues defendant Logan Gold committed a kidnapping crime. On the contrary, defense will provide an alternative scenario to prove Gold’s innocence and discuss Gold’s fifth adamant right being violated. During competitions from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6, teams attempted to reveal opposing parties' biases and motives. 

Competing in front of a real judge is not easy. “Scorers look for how well the witness knows their witness statement, how credible they are during their testimony, and whether they’re able to give clear answers to questions.” Explained Bittman. “For the attorneys, the scorers are looking at how persuasive the attorney is, how well they understand the rules of evidence, and their ability to stay calm under pressure.” In addition to these skills, the California mock trial program also emphasizes the development of interpersonal skills is one of the three program objectives.

GWHS mock trial team practice every Thursday afterschool in room 219. Attorneys draft arguments and develop examination questions. While the witnesses rehearse their statement for their roles, such as defendant, victim, journalist, podcaster or doctors. The bailiff and the courtroom clerk play important roles in regulation and timing. And the coaches are there to hone the students’ improvisational skills.

The team practices collaboratively, the prosecution and the defense generously provide ideas to each other. Additionally, attorneys help the witnesses to polish their statements. “Team based extracurriculars are usually sports, so it’s very cool to have a team of students working on something that is about using your brain and voice.” Rigsby added. 

Furthermore, team members pushed themselves to walk out of their comfort zone in mock trials. “I joined mock trial because I want to improve my public speaking skill.” Said Eric Wen, the defendant witness. “And I was able to see myself change.”

Team members also took the advantages to grow. “I saw myself feeling out my character, and who I needed to be to benefit my team.” Said Maria, the victim witness. “Off the witness stand, I am able to identify my own objections and points of contention in my statement that helps me better play my own character.”

Additionally, mock trials broadened students’ interest in law. “It was interesting to learn the philosophy behind being an attorney, an witness in the courtroom.” Said Jerry Lieu, the team’s courtroom clerk. 

As the team wraps up for this year’s competition, they are already looking forward. Returning members will bring valuable experiences to the next round. While the graduate seniors like Serena Xie will carry the skills they gained to expand their enthusiasm. “I’ll do mock trials in college.” She said, “It has become a fun thing I want to do.”

The team is starting to inspire more to join. “The goal of the team is to be more competitive, more skilled.” Rigsby emphasized. “We also want to have more school-wide awareness of Mock trials, so it becomes a more desirable program at our school.” They are gaining passion. It’s clear that the GWHS mock trial team will become more confident, creative, and professional. Not only in mock trials, but also in future life.