McAuley Mock Trial Team Makes Its Case

Mother McAuley Mock Trial Team 2016: Mock Trial team comes in second place in Cook County Circuit Court Sixth Municipal District Annual Mock Trial Competition.

Mother McAuley students got the chance to try their skill at litigation in the Cook County Circuit Court Sixth Municipal District’s annual mock trial competition at the Markham Courthouse on Feb. 20.

The school’s Mock Trial Club finished in second place out of eleven teams. Before the competition, the Illinois State Bar Association distributed a copy of the trial to all participants, which included witness affidavits and paper copies of evidence. However, the association intentionally withheld some information to give the mock trial a more realistic feel as the students tried to prove the case.

The competition ran exactly like a real trial with the exception of a jury. Time limits were placed on all opening statements, closing arguments and questioning of witnesses. They were then graded by judges from the Sixth Municipal District on their performance, poise, professionalism and attire.

The team came in second place, losing by only 0.5. points to Hillcrest High School. Falon Young '17 (Mt. Greenwood) received the Best Attorney award, and Tyler Bentley '17 (Roseland), a Daniel Murphy scholar, received the Best Witness award. Eleven teams participated in the competition.

To participate in the Mock Trial Club at McAuley, the girls were required to attend a “Law Workshop” sponsored by the McAuley Law Society, as well as two additional Saturday practices. During this extra time, the students were coached by experienced attorneys and judges, including McAuley alums and parents who work in the law profession.

Coaches included Kathryn M. Morrisey '86, Ret. Judge Noreen Daly Riley '73, Bridget Duignan Rivero '95, Ann Walsh Reed '73, Maureen Hughes '95, Greg Plesha, Maureen O'Brien, Margaret Ogarek '91, Kathryn "Kate" Kelly '86, Judge Bridget Anne Mitchell Crowe '74, Heather Mulligan Begley '95 and Jessica Durkin '02.