Mock Trial Club

By: Chandler Daniel

“May it please the court, opposing counsel, ladies and gentlemen of the jury…”

Mock Trial is a law-centered club at Howard High School in which students reenact an actual criminal or civil case against rival schools, portraying the role of defense attorneys, plaintiffs or witnesses based on their own abilities and interests.

Erica Woodford and Kevin Hicks, two renowned Macon lawyers, assist Melinda Powell and Matthew Partain in running the club which has been a part of Howard High School for six years, beginning in fall of 2012, according to Mrs. Powell. “During our second year, our team placed third and advanced to the third level of state” competition, she said, making Howard’s team the youngest in the state to advance.

Mock Trial is considered around the world for being a club focused on success. Mock Trial is based primarily on law and its assets, with the goal of convincing others with their testimonies and mock court performances.

Mock Trial is heavily based on acting abilities, public speaking and applying your knowledge of the case. One of Howard High’s own won Best Witness the previous year at competition. The Mock Trial competition was created in 1988 and has had four national champions from 1995 to 2008.

Participating groups range from public schools to private schools and even include a few homeschool associations. Students play roles of attorneys and witnesses based upon their source case material.

The competition is judged on performance, persuasion and understanding of the case. The top three teams from each region will advance to the District Competition and compete for a spot at State Finals.

State Finals are March 16, and Regionals are Feb. 2. The Howard HS team is already preparing. Roles have been set and alternates have been chosen.

The president has been voted in as Tarin Lewis, and the team has received their case files. If you are interested in law, public speaking or acting, you might want to consider joining Mock Trial next year.

The meetings are from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the media center. But, the perks and positives far outweigh that. Mock Trial assists in self-evaluation and finding your own strengths and weaknesses. Howard’s team of legal eagles has advanced to state three times in six years.

Make sure to root for your Howard High Mock Trial Team!