Mock Trial Makes it to State

 

 

In addition to meticulous and thorough case studies, we were additionally tasked with learning about a newly established decorum for the virtual courtroom. With these changes, we were exposed to different guidelines and ways to approach the criminal case we were provided with this year.

 

In previous years, competitions took place at the Ramsey Courthouse in Downtown St. Paul. Competing through Zoom, in addition to witnesses and attorneys, we needed “document handlers” to display exhibits on the screen. 

 

Following an invitational meeting in early December to learn about the amended courtroom etiquette during a trial, our sectionals commenced in January and continued through February. 

 

The Varsity team led by Captain Seamus Dougherty '22 and fellow attorneys Collett Akins '23 and Greta Cunningham '23 and the JV team led by attorneys Michael Loeffler '24, Beca Gutzman '24, and Morgan Redden '23 faced off on February 15 for a dramatic and lengthy trial via Zoom. 

 

"The opening statements were passionate, the cross-examinations were sizzling, the objections were flying around and the witnesses were so believable they brought a tear to your eyes," said advisor Kathryn Fetterly.

 

Each team competed four times: twice as the defense and twice as the prosecution. Despite being introduced to the distinctive experience of virtual competition this year for the very first time, our Mock Trial teams flourished, and JV and Varsity faced off to qualify for State. The Varsity team was victorious, but was unable to participate due to the band and choir trips.

 

Nonetheless, this was the first time that our Mock Trial teams made it to state since the early 2000s, and we made history when both the JV and Varstiy teams competed for the opportunity to be a part of the state championship.

 

Congratulations to Mock Trial on a great season!