Mock Trial Advances In The Competition

Sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Despite what many people would say, mock trial does fit this definition. It is a competition in which three attorneys and three witnesses from each team compete against one another in demonstrating their mastery of a given case and the art of objections and responses. It’s definitely a craft of skill and dedication and anyone who has been in a mock trial competition knows how exhausted or exhilarated you feel when it’s over, much like the elation or despair that one feels after a game of hockey or basketball.

Each state has its own case based on American standard law with specific details that speak to each state’s legal nuances. Here, the case was prepared by the New York Bar Association, with each trial judged by a qualified judge or attorney. Every year the case alternates between criminal and civil cases, covering everything from accidents to fraud to charges of dealing.

Students are given the chance to prepare intricate case theories to prove anything from innocence to guilt or liability and cause. This year’s case in New York is the civil case of Remington Stone vs. Marley Miser and Acme construction. The plaintiff, Remington Stone, was working on a 125 year old Victorian house and fell off a ladder into a live electrical wire. They are suing the company they had contracted under, Acme, but Acme has settled and the issue up for debate is the liability of Marley Miser, the homeowner.

Mock trial cases are designed so that it is both possible for a team to meet the plaintiff’s burden of proof and also for the defense to show that there is reasonable doubt. 

This year HANC began as the defense against Wheatley High School, then opposed North Shore Hebrew Academy as the plaintiff, and finally Rambam Mesivta as the defense. 

At the end of this grueling ordeal, HANC had thankfully advanced to the round of Sweet Sixteen. The team, led by David Beiss, a HANC alumnus, is the last Yeshiva in the competition and the team is currently busy preparing for a trial upcoming on March 14th versus Jericho High School. The team continues to put in their hard work and dedication, and is on track to bring back another win. With all of the hard work, dedication, and energy the team is putting in, everyone–team members, the student body, teachers and administrators–are confident in victory going forward.