Mock Trial
The case this year is about a triple homicide that occurred in 2003. New facts about the case came about with the recovery of repressed memories from Peri Moore, the only surviving witness
Our case this year dealt with an individual being struck by lightning at an outdoor rock concert and unfortunately passing away. The widow of the decedent sued the band for liability. According to our case information, the widow had already sued the venue and promoter (settling with both prior to our trial.) We received the case right before winter break and after break Mondays became our weekly practice day from 7:00-8:00 a.m. Most of the kids are all in the same FLEX period as well, so this gave them additional time to collaborate on the case. We also tried to incorporate some run through practices on weekends or evenings.
This year posed some new obstacles, some of them relate to COVID. Historically, we are a good team when it comes to professionalism and courtroom presentation, and this made competition rounds through Zoom a big challenge. We had to learn new technology and deal with any connection issues/feedback that may occur. We were able to compete from school without having to travel to Sioux City for the regional contest, so that was a plus! We used the high school media center as our base of operations for the competition rounds March 3 4.
Overall, I think that the season went well. There are always adjustments we will make and new strategies to implement, but we will be ready to go at it again next year!
Mock Trial is coached by Sam Kruse and Brad Raveling. Thanks to attorney Jen Wippert, county attorney Amy Oetken, and district judge Shayne Mayer for all their work helping the mock trial teams. We couldn't have done it without you! I also want to thank all of the Mock Trial parents who have supported us through practices and competitions!
“I have been involved with mock trial since middle school. I have found it to be a great way to meet and collaborate with new people. Although the morning practices aren't always fun, the memories made, make it worthwhile.” ~ Jaina Groen