Club of the Week: Mock Trial

Of all the amazing clubs and extracurricular activities that North Shore has to offer, mock trial stands out to me. Mock trial mimics the idea of an actual court, in which Nassau County schools compete against each other in hypothetical court cases. Students are either witnesses, who take on the role of a character in the case, or they are lawyers. Lawyers work to defend their witnesses in court and get testimony to disapprove the opposing side. There is both a defense team, which works to defend the person or group accused in the case, and a prosecution, or plaintiff, team. Their objective is to prove the defendant guilty. Although mock trial requires much dedication and hard work, it is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding clubs in the school. Students work with Mr. Muir and a professional lawyer from outside the school, Mrs. Ben Sorek, to cultivate a stellar team. The trials are judged by New York State lawyers and judges, who guide the competition between the two schools. The actual event, while nerve-racking, is very exciting and similar to a real court of law. In this club, students learn how to analyze a problem from multiple perspectives and think quickly on their feet. Mock trial is a great club for any students interested in pursuing a law career, improving their public-speaking skills, and having a great time!