Mock Trial
Students will be given a “real life” criminal or civil court case. Students will act out the courtroom proceeding by acting as the witnesses or the lawyers. Students will formulate opening and closing statements, give direct and cross examinations, question witnesses, make objections, and answer directives from the court judge. Teams are awarded points depending on the effectiveness of each witness and lawyer.All students are required to read and understand the testimony, the rules of competition, and the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Eligibility Requirement: Open to all students in grades 9-12.
Time Commitment: Each team will announce practices. At least one night per week through December and two to five nights per week in January and February as teams prepare for regional competition.
Procedure for Joining: Attend organizational meeting. Pay dues. Join or form a team.The number of teams is only limited by the number of lawyer coaches. ( currently four).
The Case: 05-CR-81677 State of Indiana v. Lee Rellik, Trial of Competency for the Indianapolis Sniper
Activity Time Period: Practices begin in November, with regional competitions in Feb – March. State and national competition to follow regionals.
Membership Limits: Teams limited to no more than eight. The number of teams is limited only by the availability of a lawyer coach (currently five).
Coaches:
Mr. Christopher Putt, from the Law Offices of May, Oberfel & Lorber,
Mr. Todd Woelfer, from the Law Offices of May, Oberfel & Lorber,
Mr. Kenneth Hays, from the United States Department of Justice,
Mr. Eric Tamashasky, from the St. Joseph County Proecutors Office,
Mr. John Maciejczyk, from the United States Department of Justice.
Click here to go to the official Indiana high school mock trial website: http://www.inmocktrial.org
Read and download the case at http://www.inmocktrial.org/2006case.pdf
Read and download the exhibits at http://www.inmocktrial.org/2006exhibits.pdf
Sponsor: Caelea Armstrong (ext 2633 ).