Massapequa Mock Trial Team Continues To Rack Up Awards

Massapequa High School’s mock trial team had another successful fall season with a county championship and a pair of individual awards.

The team participated in Harvard University’s High School Seminar Program on Nov. 16 and 17, during which they attended workshops hosted by accomplished members of Harvard’s mock trial team. The students also took part in a mock trial scrimmage, presenting arguments on a fictitious homicide case.

Senior Meaghan Phillips, who played the role of the defendant, won the award for best witness, while Samantha Kearns earned the best attorney award. The Massapequa team also received valuable feedback from Harvard’s mock trial members.

Shortly after returning, the team participated in the Long Island Mentor Moot Court competition at the federal courthouse in Central Islip. The team of Aidan Franzke, Alex Lawless, Isabella Mininni and Meaghan Phillips argued a case involving a constitutional rights violation. They advanced to the Nassau County championship round and defeated Holy Trinity High School.

The team spent about six weeks preparing for the Moot Court competition, extensively studying prior legal decisions to prepare their arguments. Lawless noted that even though the case was fictional, he and his teammates cited real case law.

Students say that mock trial helps them improve their public speaking skills, ability to think on their feet and understanding of using evidence to defend their arguments, and many members of the team are interested in pursuing careers in law. They also noted that being successful in competition requires good teamwork and a strong understanding of each other’s strengths.

“You can’t win a case by yourself,” Franzke said. “You need every person to do their part.”

The mock trial competitions allow students to further develop their understanding of the legal system from their basic and advanced law classes with teachers Daniel Bachman, John Pardue, Dana Robbins and David Summers. Bachman and Pardue coach the team, which is now preparing for a February tournament hosted by the Nassau County Bar Association.