Students Demonstrate Skills During Impressive Mock Trial

After preparing vigorously for two weeks, Hillcrest High School Criminal Law Students participated in an impressive Mock Trial event on Monday, December 13th in the school's IMC.

The classes were led by Hillcrest High School teachers Mrs. Caroline Snyder and Mr. Ed Schodrof.

At Hillcrest High School, Mock Trial is an entire unit. Students prepare and learn prerequisite and relevant knowledge for this big day. Terminology learned includes criminal trial, jury selection, jury, witnesses, attorneys, prosecution, defense, judge, bailiff, direct examination, cross-examination, verdict, objection, testimony, perjury, and sentencing.

From here, each class receives the 2021-2022 ISBA Mock Trial Problem. Students need a thorough understanding of the problem and pertinent details of the case to be successful.

In the days before the competition, students volunteered and formed teams. Students assigned themselves specific roles in the trial such as trial attorneys, witnesses, jury members, a bailiff, and judges. The teams also prepared strong arguments for both the prosecution and defense.

During the actual competition, each round of the Mock Trial was structured, including timed segments. Opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations, and closing statements were presented.

"Mock Trial is an important experience where students learn critical thinking and evidence-based arguments," said Caroline Snyder, Hillcrest High School Criminal Law Teacher.

This is not the first year that Hillcrest High School has participated in a Mock Trial event. Mrs. Snyder was the Mock Trial Coach for Hillcrest from 2011-2017. In 2013 the team took home 2nd place, followed by a 4th place win in 2014 and 2015, and a 1st place win in 2016.