One of Posnack School’s most active clubs, the Mock Trial team, finally experienced the moment they had been preparing for all year: the Mock Trial tournament at the Broward County Courthouse. To prepare, students in the club spent the year attending lunch and after-school meetings while rehearsing their roles as lawyers and witnesses and going over trial procedures. On Jan. 31, Posnack School students dressed in business attire, case packets and notes in hand, and met at the courthouse to put all their work to good use.
The case they were given this year was about an art forgery, and students worked meticulously to craft arguments for both the prosecution and defense. The club appointed three lawyers, three witnesses for each side, and a researcher who assisted with the case. Members tirelessly rehearsed direct examinations, cross-examinations, objections, and proper court procedures.
On the event day, the Posnack School faced two ‘mystery’ schools. The Posnack School was assigned as a defense in the first round, working to assure the jury that Cohen Grey, the defendant, was not guilty. After a short break, the team reconvened for a second round, where they assumed the role of the prosecution. As prosecution, students used persuasive arguments to explain why Cohen Grey was guilty of grand theft, fraud, and conspiracy to commit forgery. According to Mrs. Gober, who teaches the Law Capstone Program and is the advisor for the Mock Trial club, one of the most challenging aspects of the trial is that “you don’t know what side you’re going to get assigned. A lot of it is ensuring everyone on the team can think on their feet, pivot, and improvise.” While Posnack had to leave the tournament before the third round to adhere to Shabbat’s guidelines, the team did an excellent job and is preparing for a second tournament in late April.
For any student interested in pursuing a career in law, the Mock Trial Club is an excellent opportunity to practice the skills needed in court. Mrs. Gober believes that Mock Trial helps students gain “a ton of exposure to trial law and evidence law” and allows them to learn the essential skills that “make or break a good lawyer,” such as learning how to analyze a fact pattern, find key details, and tie everything together to create a convincing case. Mock Trial is a great way to get hands-on experience in court proceedings, and the club welcomes any and all students looking to participate.
