The Mock Trial team, led by coach Marcella Ruland and captains Jacob Hartman (prosecution) and Kate Van Akin (defense), shared the county championship with Mr. Hebron High School.They won 3 out of 4 of their cases for the season. Each year, there is a different topic for the trial teams. This year's topic was environmental law concerning responsiblility for the dumping of toxic waste.
The team competes with schools all over the state using a simplified form of the rules of evidence that include major points such as the cross examining, direct examining, and entering evidence. Six affidavits, containing all of the facts for the case are given to the teams prior to the competition. All of the teams that compete are given the same affidavits. According to Mrs. Ruland, "We [the team] prepare our theory based on these six affidavits." The team must familiarize itself with all of the facts and practice any possible questions that the other school may come up with as well as questions to inquire.
The cases are presented before real judges and lawyers. If you ask Mrs. Ruland if having actual judges to preside over the cases works out well for the teams, she would say that it does because the judges, "give us a lot of feedback." At each competition the judge and the opposing coach vote for one attorney and one witness as the all-stars for the meet. Senior Kate Van Akin and sophomore Amy Vance are this year's consistent all-stars. They have earned the largest number of votes at all of the competitions that they have taken part in.
This season, there were two particularly important competitions. The forst was between Glenelg and Hammond High School. At the time of the trial, both teams were undefeated and this trial decided who whent on to become county champions. Needless to say, our team won. The other competition was against Long Reach High School. Not only did they win, but they got a conviction. In the world of mock trial a conviction s very rare, so this was an amazing victory for the team, so this was an amazing victory for the team. Circuit playoffs began March 14, unfortunately the special point was awarded to the other team, and Glenelg faced a defeat.
This year's team has done an excellent job. According to Mrs. Ruland, "This is an extrememly dedicatef group that also knows how to have a lot of fun. I feel lucky to be associated with them." Next year's team should also be very strong as there are ten returning members. Our mock trial team has done well in the past and will probably continue to do well in the future as long as there are dedicated people out there who are willing to work and a school to support them.