In classrooms and real courtrooms, MCHS students step into the roles of attorneys, witnesses and other court representatives to practice their debate skills. Through these roles, students learn to analyze complex scenarios, statements and evidence to create strong arguments, learn and develop critical thinking skills that can be applied for any future goals. They develop quick thinking skills, allowing them to craft responses in just minutes. Mock Trial has officially become competitive and has now competed a few times prior to this year’s competitions. Through these competitions, they are able to showcase their skills while competing against groups from other schools.
Mock Trial is a program that mimics real courtroom trials, allowing students to take on legal roles like attorneys, bailiffs and witnesses. The school’s mock trial club is preparing for two major competitions this year, with the first set to take place in November and another in spring. Divided into two teams, prosecution and defense, members have been practicing three times a week to prepare for intense matchups against other schools. The dedication and teamwork of these students will showcase their skills in a courtroom environment during their competition.
Through this process, participants learn about the legal system while developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. Yareli Duarte, club president and member for two years, reflects on her personal growth within the program.
“Personally, I feel like it’s given me more experience in the law field. So it’s just giving me that head start in what I want to succeed in, which is political science,” Duarte said.
The program welcomes anyone interested in exploring the legal field, whether they want to compete or simply learn. Mock Trial is dedicated to teach members valuable lessons and skills that could be applied in their schoolwork.
“Academically, it helps me stand out… and I feel like it just gave me a chance to really focus on my schoolwork and understand it,” Duarte said.
Although Mock Trial is still in its early stages, it has already begun to make changes to improve and educate their members. Ricardo Anguiano, the teacher supervisor, discussed future changes they plan to make.
“The club is fairly new, but I think one of the ways it has changed is that we are going to create lessons to teach about the legal aspect of the justice system,” Anguiano said.
Preparing for the tryout process or for competitions is no easy task, as it requires members to fully understand their roles and develop strong legal arguments, focusing on skills like acting and role-playing.
“We go over the script and learn about each character. We create a legal argument based on the evidence and facts in order to defend the person,” Anguiano said. “Tryouts consist of the person who is auditioning to play the role of a witness or lawyer. For skills, we are looking for someone who acts the part.”
While the club focuses on competition, it also provides opportunities for members who simply want to learn about the legal system, making it accessible to all students, regardless of their experience or career goals.
“We have a competitive aspect to the club, but at the same time, not everyone needs to compete. If anyone is interested in learning about the legal system, they can attend our club meetings,” Anguiano said.
One of the biggest challenges the club is facing when it comes to their goal of competing, is maintaining member engagement.
“One of the main goals is definitely trying to compete this semester, that’s what we’re aiming for, and just getting a team overall, just like having a successful team,” Duarte said. “The most challenging role is like organizing everything I believe and just getting members interested. I feel like that’s what we’re struggling with.”
Despite these difficulties, the team is determined to overcome obstacles and create a welcoming and collaborative environment by helping members meet new people that share similar goals or thought-process.
“I would describe it as a welcoming environment to anyone who wants to be part of the club. We always welcome new ideas and input, whether the ideas are for the team or the club itself,” Anguiano said.
Mock Trial offers students a unique opportunity to develop legal knowledge, build confidence, and work as a team. By addressing challenges and focusing on their goals, the club aims to compete successfully and continue growing in the future. With their dedication and enthusiasm, the club has a bright future.
