Local students learn skills in mock trial

Brianna Camann - Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) annual Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition Mock Heart Trial ended Friday March 7.

The Mock Heart Trial divides students into team arguing before student judges that their imaginary client deserves a heart transplant.

A few students reflected upon their experience in the Mock Heart Trial.

Junior Aicha Altimimi said, “It was an insightful experience that made me really think outside the box and helped me learn about weaknesses that I have when it comes to arguing.”

Junior Savanna Chumbley said “During the trial, we were given the task of defending a heart candidate randomly assigned to us. Throughout this process, I was able to learn more about teamwork and how to defend myself and my client in an argument.”

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Junior Samantha Lia said “Throughout this mock trial, I learned how to effectively form a developed and effective argument to defend my client. We also had to think on our feet when forming on-the-spot rebuttals to the other teams, this was quite a bit of a learning curve but essential to this experience.”

The trial allows students to learn how to defend themselves and work together in a team towards a mutual goal, which is to convince the judges that their client is the best candidate.

AP Language and Literature teacher Debra McCarthy said, “The biggest objective of this lesson is to teach students how to construct an effective argument, where students present a clear and logical argument supported by applicable evidence for a specific claim or position.”