On Friday, March 20, a group of teenagers in suits walked down Huron Street carrying easels and folders in what seemed to be a synchronized manner. This was Community High School’s own Mock Trial team led by Community High teacher Cheryl Grace. Members of the Mock Trial team were excused from their 6th and 7th block classes on Friday for a practice trial at the Washtenaw County Courthouse. In preparation for the State Tournament, the team conducted a dress rehearsal in Courtroom 4 with special guest judge Archie Brown.
Judge Archie Brown allowed the group to practice in his courtroom located a short distance from Community High School. Team A Defense faced off against Team B Prosecution in a friendly trial as
coaches, other team members and parents observed. Following the trial, both teams heard comments from Judge Brown about their performances. Although the trial was not competitive, both teams performed as they would in competition.
The purpose of the trial was to give team members more experience in a courtroom in preparation for the State Tournament in Lansing on March 27, 2010. Both Team A and Team B are competing on March 27th in hopes of moving on to the National Tournament in April, where a new case will be issued.
Listen to an excerpt from the trial below:
