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MENDHAM HIGH SCHOOL

MOCK TRIAL

MORRIS COUNTY CHAMPIONS: 2006, 2007, 2008

 

UPDATE: MENDHAM MOCK HAS ADVANCED TO THE NORTHERN NJ REGIONAL FINALS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 18 VS. LIVINGSTON

 

*WHAT IS “MOCK TRIAL”?

         Mock Trial is intended for high school students with an interest in trials, the legal system and debating.  Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in an actual court case – involving real courtrooms, judges, juries, and legal procedures.

         Our Mock Trial Team is presented with an interesting and complex legal case each fall.  We analyze the case as a group and develop trial strategies.  We then assign attorney and witness roles, practice interrogations and simulate court procedures.  Student-lawyers and student-witnesses then work through all aspects of the case as real attorneys and witnesses would with the ultimate challenge coming in February when we compete in the Morris County Mock Trial tournament.  In the tournament we try our case against area high schools in the courtrooms of the Morris County Courthouse. The competition is intense.

 

*WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED?

         Students with an interest in the law, or who are contemplating a future career as a lawyer would greatly benefit from this unique experience.  Furthermore, students with an interest in debating, public speaking, forensics, and/or acting will have a tremendous opportunity to develop these skills.  Becoming an active member of this team requires a serious time commitment.

        

*WHEN DOES IT MEET?

         Mock Trial gets up and running in October, and does almost all of its work during the “Winter” sports season.  The general schedule is as follows:

                  October – 1 meeting per week

                  November – 2 meetings per week

                  December – 3-4 meetings per week

                  January – 4-5 meetings per week

                  February – Morris County Tournament

 

(December & January meetings typically run from 3:00 – 5:15; if you have other major winter commitments such as sports, do not join – it will not work out)

 

*WHAT IS CURRENT STATUS OF THE TEAM?

Last year, Mendham won the Morris County Championship for the second year in a row, and competed in the state tournament.  Additionally, Mendham has reached the County playoff round for the past seven years, and has compiled a 23-10 record over the past eight years.  We have a good core group returning this year, but we have openings for some talented newcomers.

 

*WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S CASE ABOUT?

         In New Jersey v. Avery Fisher, high school swimming coach Avery “Doc” Fisher is being charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of his child, student swimmer Chris Fisher.  The 16 year-old sophomore from Richman Hills Academy in Metropolitan, NJ died from what is believed to be illicit use of performance-enhancing drugs.  The State of New Jersey contends that Doc Fisher provided the drugs to Chris and thus is attempting to prosecute.  Doc Fisher has pleaded not guilty and the case is now ready for trial.

 

 

To see the 2008 workbook, rules and case documents, visit the New Jersey Bar Association website.