Three Village Mock Trial Team Advances

The Three Village Central School District’s Mock Trial Team – composed of students from Ward Melville High School and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School – is experiencing a record setting season this year.

In just its second year competition, the students advanced to the Suffolk County quarterfinals after defeating East End rival Mattituck during the first-round of county playoffs.

In addition to the organized competitions, the team also hosted its second home trial competition against Hampton Bays at Jefferson’s Ferry in South Setauket. This event was held as a service to the residents of Jefferson’s Ferry and organized with Alan Costell, coordinator of the Mock Trial Program for the Suffolk County Bar Association. Residents were briefed on the details of the trial prior to the competition in order to heighten interest for the event. Ultimately, the Three Village team prevailed as the plaintiff, who was suing the defendant for an alleged act of conversion (theft) of funds raised by a local charity.

The students have been preparing for the season under the guidance and direction of Gelinas english teacher Douglas Elliot. They have learned legal terms, crafting arguments, critical thinking and elocution.

Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

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