Post Tagged with: "mock trial"

ACS Mock Trial Students Travel to Brick Twp. to Prepare for Upcoming Civil Case

The ACS Mock Trial team travelled north to Brick Township High School on December 16th to scrimmage with five Ocean County high schools. This is Atlantic Christian School’s fourth consecutive year in the statewide legal competition. At the season opener meeting, returning teacher-coach Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney was joined by Karyn White, esq., who served as lawyer-coach.

One week after the Brick Township invitational, Mrs. Hahn-Chaney hosted a debriefing meeting/Christmas party for the lawyers, witnesses, and jury members. Students brought homemade Christmas cookies to share and enjoyed a hot meal. After discussing the matches, students played chess as a six-foot-tall cardboard cutout of Dr. Suess’ The Grinch looked on. The Grinch fixture (donated by ACS Library after use at the 2022 Seussical-themed book fair) has humorously served as placeholder for the judge over the past three years of practices. Coaches and students speak on behalf of the Honorable Judge Grinch when it comes to procedures like pretrial conference, calling witnesses to the stand, and handling objections. Another fun tradition is the scheduled hot chocolate breaks which the team treats in the same way that law firms and corporate environments are known to utilize coffee breaks.

The team is preparing for its first two matches, which are set to take place on January 21st and January 22nd at the civil courthouse in Atlantic City. If the ACS team progresses to the next rounds, competitions will continue through the rest of January and February.

This year’s civil case, Capella v. Petzicon Products, Inc., deals with product liability. The fictional victim, a champion show dog named Sally, died shortly after being treated with a flea treatment. Sally’s owner, Carmen Capella, has instituted a civil lawsuit against Petzicon Products, Inc.

Our plaintiff team includes two lawyers (Justin Basso and Gabriella Goodwin), character witness (Lauren Einwechter) and two expert witnesses (Keira Frontino and Emily Abbott. 

The defense team includes two lawyers (Joshua Kinch and Ethan Warren), defendant (Sophia Capito), and two expert witnesses (Yuyu Choi and Matthew Coates). 

Three 8th graders attended the scrimmage to serve as members of the jury (Zy’Rainalyn Rogers, Julieta Gonzalez, Rebecca Ordonez).

Please check the ACS Mock Trial website for updates at mocktrial.acseht.org and show your support for our team this year! Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open for 7-12 grade students in October 2025.

Mock Trial Season Kicks Off with New Liability Case

ACS Mock Trial members will begin meeting this week to unpack a new liability case about an untimely death of a prize-winning show dog. High School students will take on roles of lawyers or witnesses. Students in grades 7-8 may join as members of the jury, gaining experience in preparation for this prestigious competition. Register at mocktrial.acseht.org by October 23rd!

2024-25 marks the fourth consecutive season for the reassembled Atlantic Christian School’s Mock Trial Team. Three of the team’s original members have graduated and are now studying at colleges and universities along the east coast. Last year, ACS salutatorian Ryleigh Martin was awarded a $2500 scholarship due to her achievements in the Mock Trial program. There are many academic and social benefits to joining the ACS Mock Trial team, and all are welcome. Note: ACS policy has requirements in place for participation in any extracurricular activity, including maintaining passing grades and outstanding character.

Mock Trial Roles and Requirements

Lawyers

Lawyers (Grades 9-12 only) develop case strategies and deliver an opening/closing statement to the court. Lawyers question witnesses on direct and cross examination while using legal objections to block or challenge improper testimony. This role is for a highly committed student who is a critical thinker and is comfortable with improvisation. Lawyer Meetings are on Wednesdays 4-6pm and may be joined in person or virtually, upon request. Lawyers also attend Full Team practices on Mondays 3-5pm beginning on October 28th.

Witnesses

Witnesses (Grades 9-12 only) play a key character in the trial and testify on the stand. Witnesses must learn the details of their statements and basic facts of the case. This is a role for someone who enjoys the performing arts and is quick thinking on their feet. Witnesses  attend practices on Mondays 3-5pm beginning on October 28th.

Members of the Jury

Jurors (Grades 7 & up) observe the trial and listen carefully to testimony. A panel of six jurors will weigh evidence presented during trial and collectively form a verdict on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Jurors are not required to attend practices but may join us for any Monday practices. Dress rehearsal is a requirement, and it’s recommended that jurors attend at least two Monday practices before the trial. Jurors must attend 2+ trial dates in Jan/Feb and be prepared to serve in at least 1 trial. Registration deadline is December 20 2024.

Compete Against Other NJ Schools

The Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition is sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) in cooperation with New Jersey’s county bar associations and the New Jersey State Bar Association. The Mock Trial Competition begins at the county level and moves into the regional, semi-finals, and state finals. A national round begins in the spring where the finalists from each state study a new case and travel to compete against other states.
Key Benefits:

  • friendship building
  • critical thinking skills
  • communication skills
  • public speaking skills
  • scholarships

Student-created Mock Trial promo video

Join our ACS Mock Trial Team!

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.
After school practices are held in the Computer Lab, Annex Room 180. If you have any questions about the mock trial program, email rhahn-chaney@acseht.org.