The IHS Mock Trial Team advanced to the regional tournament, which was held on February 20 at the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, making this the first time in three years that they have progressed to regionals.
Mock Trial is an Ohio program that allows students to participate in competitions that simulate court cases. A new unscripted case is created each year by the Ohio Center for Law Related Education (OCLRE) as well as a team of volunteers, and the trial focuses on a certain constitutional issue. Students take the roles of attorneys, judges, witnesses, bailiffs and timekeepers, and are watched by volunteer legal professionals.
“This is easily the best I have seen the team over my four years of Mock Trial,” team captain Matthew Liepert said.
The goal of Mock Trial, far from securing a victory, is to understand how the courts operate.
“Understanding the legal system is critical to participation in our society,” Mock Trial advisor Mr. Wayne Benos explained. “Mock Trial sets forth the concept that there are often two (or more) legitimate points of view on any particular matter. It also teaches that things don’t always go the way one expects and how to deal with that situation.”
Sophomore Adriana Randjelovic believes the purpose of Mock Trial is to know “how our rights are applied in real life. It helps us understand the logic behind these rights and how they are integrated into the law.”
Judges rate the team members based on their performance and understanding as their individual roles. At both the district and regional tournaments, junior Gio Hasrouni and sophomore Vinny Carmean received the Outstanding Witness award. At the district tournament, Randjelovic won the Outstanding Attorney award.
Benos hopes for expanded involvement in Mock Trial going forward. Reach out to Benos for more information about joining.
