NDB’s Mock Trial team is gearing up for the second season of its Mock Trial Immersion Program, which introduces middle school students to public speaking, debate, acting, and legal writing. Over two months, high school mentors guide participants through the fundamentals of courtroom procedures, including direct and cross-examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments, as they prepare a case and ultimately put on a trial.
One key aspect of the program is teaching students how to take on different courtroom roles, from attorneys to witnesses.
“I’m most excited to teach the younger students how to be a witness because that’s what I was when I did mock trial the past three years,” said senior and volunteer Alexis Hom.
Each week, student volunteers attend 90-minute sessions that focus on legal concepts and trial procedures. These sessions help familiarize the middle schoolers with the structure of a courtroom and build confidence and critical thinking skills. At the end of the program, participants put their knowledge to the test in the Immersion Tournament.
Junior and Director of Outreach Page Krensavage shared, “The most rewarding part about working with middle schoolers is…at the end when they go and compete, seeing everything that I have taught them and all the advice I have given transform into a successful mock trial.”
This year, Saint Raymond’s, Saint Mathews, and Notre Dame Elementary have confirmed their participation and will all be taking part in the trial.
“So we’re in our second year, so we’ve grown a little. We have three schools participating instead of two, which is very exciting. We have evolved our sort of like model to be able to accommodate more, working with more schools at once,” exclaimed Mock Trial Advisor Jonathan Tomczak.
The 2024-2025 tournament will feature People v. Darby, a case written by NDB Mock Trial students. The trial follows Reagan Darby, a student and cross-country team member at Helion University, who is accused of poisoning two teammates. The state of California has charged Darby with two counts of poisoning and attempted murder.
Mentorship benefits NDB’s high school students as well. It allows them to develop leadership and communication skills while deepening their understanding of courtroom procedures. Teaching younger students reinforces key concepts and helps mentors refine their ability to think on their feet and articulate legal arguments clearly.
Tomczak echoed these sentiments, stating, “One of the best ways to learn is to teach to other people. So inherently, that helps our mock trial participants get better, develop their own skills by trying to articulate it and explain it to these middle schoolers”.
The program has faced challenges, particularly in scheduling and recruitment, with certain schools not having enough participants for an entire team. However, organizers remain optimistic about its future.
“I would love to see the middle school program specifically grow to several more middle schools, and for it to be sort of the middle school equivalent of the County High School program that we participate in,” shared Tomczak.
As interest continues to grow, there is potential for further expansion and improvement in the coming years.
The Mock Trial Immersion Program has proven to be an invaluable resource, providing middle school students with legal education while fostering a strong sense of community and mentorship that benefits all participants.
