Printer Friendly Version - John Winthrop Mock Trial Teams Compete at Regionals

John Winthrop Middle School Mock Trial team members include, from left (front) Stephanie Sheehan and Kendra Cika; (second row) Grace Jacarusco, Abby Amara, Isabella Sacks, Caroline Haskins, Grace Jacarusco, Margaret Jacarusco, Ava Cunningham, Lily Glaski, Emma Brown, and Elaina Noble; (third row) Reagan Doyon, Raquel Farray, Olivia Baldwin, Grace Abderhalden, Lauren Valentino, Campbell Toth, Mia Stack, Madeline Rice, Sophie Scrivo, Anne Brenneman, Qualia Herrick, and Jack Whittaker; and (back row) Lily Grow, Matt Daniels, Katie Roberts, Jolie Edwards, Vivian Paradis, Isabelle Siegel, Zoe Cika, Frannie Liegus, Dexter Newman, Jordan Azzinaro, and Jade Hardgrove. Photo by S. Herrick

Three John Winthrop Middle School Mock Trial teams competed in one of this year’s regional competitions at Kingwood-Oxford Middle School on Feb. 6. Student teams work during their activity period, once weekly, throughout the first two quarters in school. Teams are composed of three lawyers and three witnesses for the plaintiff, and three lawyers and three witnesses for the defense. To move on in the state competition, teams must win both their plaintiff and defense. This year’s Mock Trial centered on a contested will, in which a mother left half her fortune to her two children and half to her pets. Lawyers prepared direct questions for their witness and also prepared questions to cross an opposing witness. In addition, lawyers are responsible for crafting an opening and closing for their case. Witnesses may not use notes while on the stand, so must memorize their affidavits in preparation for both the direct and cross-examinations.

Judges are all Connecticut attorneys who volunteer their time throughout the competition. The program is run by Civics First.