In January, the Mock Trial team at ERHS began an enduring season and finished with an undefeated record heading to state semifinals. Through great dedication, the team made a deep run through semifinals. Though what exactly is Mock trial, and how did the team prepare for their season?

“Mock trial is an academic competition where students simulate a court case,” Alexander Miletich, the coach for Mock Trial at Roosevelt, shared. “Students act as either lawyers or witnesses, and then are scored by judges.” At the start of each season, Coach Miletich explained, “teams are given two months to study their case and build an argument.” During this process, students build skills in creating arguments and public speaking. Junior Stone Purvis, co-captain of the team, emphasized that in competition, “you are going to see some public speaking. It helps with argumentation, you have to make an argument and break it down.” It’s these skills that make Mock Trial stand out at Roosevelt.

In Mock Trial preparation for the season is of high importance. According to the Maryland Youth & the Law, the organization that manages Mock Trial events in Maryland, over 140 teams compete each year. Therefore, teams must use their time wisely. In the fall, Coach Miletich highlighted that “[they] have a legal boot camp in which students learn how evidence is brought into the court, and what is or is not allowed,” essentially explaining the rules of the court. After that, it is the effort of the team that matters.

Senior Joseph Ruby explained that as a witness, his act must be “very credible and believable to the judges. [His] character or story must remain strong, and not leave weaknesses for the other team to exploit.” Likewise, lawyers also have skills they must refine. Junior Alex Reese shares that as a lawyer, he spends a lot of time preparing for the case, explaining that “weekly, [he] spends five hours practicing speeches or [his] questions.” With commitment like this, it’s no wonder the team had such an impressive season.