The OLSH Mock Trial Team competed in the 2022 Pennsylvania Bar Association High School Mock Trial Competition. This year’s case was a complex murder trial centering around a series of characters involved in the equestrian industry. The case had it all - wealth, intrigue, organized crime, the colorful world of horse breeding and racing, and murder! In addition to the normal requirements that students examine witnesses and handle exhibits, this year’s competition even required the student attorneys to examine—on direct and cross—two experts in forensic science.
The Mock Trial season began in November when the students began learning the basic elements of court procedure, the rules of evidence, and trial tactics. Over Christmas break, the team was able to practice in a real federal courtroom. Virtual competitions were held on February 10 and 16 against Woodland Hills and Shady Side Academy, respectively. The OLSH team lost a close match against Woodland Hills, but resoundingly defeated Shady Side Academy—sweeping every scoring category.
All of the participants worked very hard throughout the competition. The witnesses learned their roles well and added dramatic flair to the trials. The student attorneys were well prepared not only for their examinations, but also for the back-and-forth with opposing counsel and the judge in making and responding to objections. Everybody learned a lot and everybody represented OLSH very well in the competition!
Participants in the trials included:
- Leah Duncan (Prosecuting Attorney & Defense Witness)
- Evie Minzer (Prosecuting Attorney & Defense Attorney)
- Andrew Gower (Prosecuting Attorney)
- Mariah Mars (Prosecution Witness)
- Chloe Butler (Prosecution Witness & Defense Witness)
- Grace DiGiacomo (Prosecution Witness)
- Clare Mulvay (Defense Attorney)
- Maisy Carmody (Defense Attorney)
- Ariana Van Ormer (Defense Witness)