I’d like to introduce you to a mock trial, which is currently being run by Mr. Blazer. Mock trial is imitating a trial in a real courtroom with a real judge as well with a fake case and the students will play roles like a drama club where they have to act and listen carefully. They will have to make sure they know how to argue to win the case and be able to communicate with their peers.
Mr. Blazer wasn’t planning on supporting a mock trial at first but he did what he had to and now really enjoys it .
“I had to step up because the person who did it last year didn’t come back this year so somebody had to do it and I’m doing it now because it had to be done,” he said.
“Students who participate are showing they have commitment; they get more practice with their speaking skills in front of others; they practice their listening skills; they become more familiar with the legal system and they get to be part of a team; they get to show their acting skills.”
Mr. Blazer thinks it is a fun way to do something meaningful and competitive without having to be an athlete or be really smart. They get to show other important skills they have and teach them those skills they don’t have.
It is Mr. Blazer’s first year of sponsoring mock trials; he wants to teach how the legal process is and he’s enjoying it. He wants to have it open for the whole year so more students can be a part of it and make it almost like a drama club where students can argue about different cases.
I also interviewed one of the students who went to a mock trial. Isis is an 11th grader and she told me some of her thoughts about it.
“It’s a good opportunity to get a lot of skills that you wouldn’t normally get in a normal education that you wouldn’t get anywhere else,” she said.
She believes that mock trials are something special and you’re gonna need it even if you think you’re not going to.
“I’m cross examining so when we go to competitions I ask the witnesses questions,” she added.
Isis has been in a mock trial for two years and she explained to me what she does at her competitions.
Mock trials will look really good on your record so if you’re a high schooler and you want to join you can sign up for mock trials and have good chances for good colleges. Mock trial is every Monday right after school and then it ends at 5:00pm. If you want more information on it go to D207 for Blazer’s office or to his classroom, B301.
