Mock Trial is a team at JC that competes with other schools in the same Judicial Circuit. The “games” are trials that are presented in a Circuit Court in Maryland and then they are presided over by a sitting judge with two attorneys acting as scorers.

Each year the schools who participate gets a “casebook” that contains all the information needed to present the trial. The trial proceeds like a normal one. Each side makes an opening statement, the plaintiff or prosecution presents their witnesses, the defense presents their witnesses, and both sides give closing arguments.

The trial ends with the Judge giving the verdict, and then the winner is announced. The winner of each trial is the team who scores highest in overall points. Each participant is rated from 1-5 on different parts of the performance.

Three students act as witnesses, and three students act as lawyers for each trial. One witness is the main fact witness; another witness is a supporting witness, and the third witness is an expert witness. One lawyer gives the opening statement, and another lawyer gives the closing argument.

Anyone who is in Mock Trial gains experience of what a real trial is like not only by watching, but by participating.

They also gain skills in speaking and debating and thinking on their feet. Students learn the importance of working together as a unit.

The JC Mock Trial team’s season just ended in a loss to Carver High School. The final score was 66-63.

“Our team did very well advancing to the “Elite Eight” of our single round elimination tournament consisting of schools from Harford and Baltimore Counties,” moderator Mr. Sean Connolly said.

JC was the only team from Harford County to advance that far with a record of 4-1. Thi year the team had many new members but also brought back many experienced ones such as Emily Smith (captain), Abby Leslie, and Emma Braddy.

“I am so proud of what this team has accomplished this season. They worked very hard and were passionate in both practice and the trials,” Mr. Connolly said.