Mock Trial team wins scrimmages against King City
The AHS Mock Trial Team poses during their first scrimmage against King City. Photo contributed
Mock Trial is once again a force to reckon with at Atascadero High School. The team won its first scrimmage against King City High School on Oct. 20.
Mock Trial imitates the procedures of a real trial, which gives high school students excellent practice presenting arguments, acting out different roles, and evaluating evidence, using a variety of critical thinking skills, usually simulating lower-court trials.
During a mock trial, attorneys from both sides present evidence and highlights of their respective cases until a mock verdict is reached. The current case that AHS students are handling is based on online bullying, harassment, and catfishing. This year, Ms. Corey is the advisor for Mock Trial, with assistance from Ms. Shore, a local family law attorney.
In class, students learn to acquire argumentative skills and practice numerous court roles. Mock Trial involves much role playing by students, such as playing an attorney, prosecutor, judge, multiple witnesses, and a bailiff. The AHS Mock Trial team has 14 members from all grades.
The team had been practicing in preparation for their first scrimmage, which was a success. “The scrimmage against King City went well! Both sides learned a lot of helpful information. Being an attorney is really fun and always a challenge trying to look at both sides of the case,” said junior Elliana Murdock. She added, “Our team is super hard-working and always open minded, which is good because they’re always looking for new ways to improve their scripts. We’re really dedicated, which leads me to believe that the competitions will go really well this year!”
The Mock Trial competition runs from March 16 to 18 at the San Luis County Courthouse. As of now, The Atascadero Mock Trial team is preparing for competition and practicing their courtroom skills during their 7th period class. AHS unfortunately did not compete in last year’s Mock Trial finals. The recent successful scrimmage against King City has given the team a hopeful outlook for the team’s future competitions this year.