Mercy B, NDB and Serra HS compete in mock trial teams in which students perform various courtroom roles in a simulated legal case. One can either have a position on the defense or the prosecution
tion, and members can take on various roles, spanning from witnesses to attorneys to timekeepers.
Mercy B:
Varsity defense lawyer Gwen Simpson uniquely works with four of the eight witnesses on both cross and direct examination. Junior Lizzy Blaney, who is also a lawyer, delivers the opening statements and questions to the expert witnesses on both teams. Other team members are sophomore Savannah Picasso as the defendant’s wife, sophomore Kara Killeen as the expert witness and junior Gia Roberts as an eyewitness.
“The witnesses play a crucial role … they not only score us points on direct examination, but can help us win the verdict… during cross-examination,” said the varsity defense team.
NDB:
On January 23, NDB’s JV defense competed against Serra and Mercy’s combined JV prosecution at the 7:30 p.m. trial at the Redwood City Court House. This was the first competition of the season, which resulted in NDB placing third out of the ten other JV teams in the league. This competition also marked the first match for the five freshmen on the team.
“I think the trial went very well, and I am looking forward to knowing my role better and getting to know the people on our team,” explained freshman Elyse Taketa, who plays Dr. Cody Palmer, one of the defense’s witnesses in the trial.
Serra HS:
Serra HS’s mock trial team correlates success with its members, both inside and outside of the courtroom. For the past two to three months, the team has been preparing endlessly, waiting to test showcase their skills. They recently put it to the test in the courtroom against Carlmont HS and Menlo HS.
“Our mock trial team has not only provided me the opportunity to explore interests in law and public speaking, but has also provided a fun and engaging community where I have made some of my closest friends,” said Serra HS junior Sam Roche, reflecting on his growth on the defense team.
