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02/01/2017 11:01 PM

Valley Mock Trial Competes at Superior Courts


From left in the first row are Kim Berardis, Addie Byars, Corinne Magee, Gabrielle Pitruzzello, Jenna LoMonaco, and Sophie Spaner. From left in the second row are Mike Berardis, Elise Wilson, Kasey O’Rourke, Maddy Evans, Caroline Baldwin, and Sophia Malli. From left in the third row are Kevin Baldwin, Max Klin, Jacob Decker, Magdalena Dipierdomenico, Awdrie Carnelli, Maeve Collins, and Charlotte Marsden. Photo courtesy of Bobbi Nidz

The three Valley Mock Trial teams competed at the Waterbury and Middletown Superior Courts on Dec. 9, 15, and 16, 2016. The teams were able to win some of the trials, but none of the Valley teams will move on to the next round of competition as teams had to win both their Plaintiff and Defense rounds.

Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other schools, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. Students act as lawyers and witnesses in simulated civil and criminal trials before actual judges. Each year, the winning team goes on to represent their state in the national competition. This year, the National Mock Trial Competition will be hosted in Hartford.