MIDDLETOWN— The day begins like every other for the students of Middletown High School’s Mock Trial class, with one of the students acting as bailiff and formally calling today’s class “in session.” At the front of the classroom, a large trophy is displayed. Presented to the students by the Lake County Bar Association, it represents the school’s eight consecutive years of winning Lake County’s annual Mock Trial Competition.
Now, excitement is high as the students complete their preparations for a trip to Los Angeles, where they will compete in the Mock Trial State Finals.
It is largely because of the dedication of volunteer attorney/coach Janina Hoskins and teacher/coach Lee Hoage that Middletown High students have had almost a decade of continued success. Lake County’s Mock Trial is facilitated by the Lake County Superior Court, the Lake County Office of Education and the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
“Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg and the College and Career Readiness Department of the Lake County Office of Education are proud to coordinate the Lake County Mock Trial Competition for all competing high schools in Lake County,” notes Beth Hampson, Education Specialist, College and Career Readiness and Adult Education for the Lake County Office of Education. “Mock Trial enables students to develop academic, professional, and personal skills that prepare them for college and career success and lives of active citizenship.”
Middletown High is unique in their choice to offer Mock Trial as an elective, meaning the class attracts a wide cross-section of students, from freshmen to seniors. Many students take the class for four years, and a number have been accepted at law schools with full tuition waivers.
During the course, students learn all aspects of taking a case to trial from both the defense and prosecutorial perspective- everything from presenting oral arguments and conducting research, with students playing all the role within a courtroom proceeding- from bailiffs to attorneys.
“We have the luxury of having Mock Trial as actual class. As a coach, I’ve had the pleasure of training people from freshmen on up. We currently have two students who have been in the course for four years,” said Hoskins.
The Lake County Mock Trial took place February 12, leaving the students very little time to prepare for the State Finals commencing March 20. The students will be competing against approximately 2,500 students from 36 California counties.
“We’ll have one trial on March 20 and a marathon day on March 21. The students will participate in several trials against different teams. The first trial is a random draw. After that first round, the power rankings begin, where similar schools are pitted against each other in successive rounds. There’s no elimination round, and no guarantee that both the defense and prosecution will move forward,” Hoskins explained.
The eight years of local wins have not yet produced a big win at the state level, but that doesn’t deter the students.
“Last year we moved to the 21st position. We’re a small school in a small county. Many schools hire private coaches to help them through the process, but even with those challenges, a former student received a Best in State award. Just because we’re from a small county doesn’t mean we can’t get it done,” Hoskins smiled.
Each participating team receives a packet from the Constitutional Rights Foundation detailing the particulars of the case. “This year the students will address Unreasonable Search and Seizure. The defense will move to suppress and the prosecution will move to include the evidence in trial. The constitutional issues the students argue are really on par with first-year law school assignments. At our county competition, Lake County judges rule on our objections. It’s a real courtroom setting that helps prepare the team for State,” Hoskins explained.
To be an effective member of a Mock Trial, teamwork and a competitive spirit are essential.
“The students have to think on their feet. Most of the judges form a basic impression within 60 to 90 seconds. The event demands a high level of professionalism. From our first introductions, we want to make the best appearance and impression.”
“I think being in a courtroom and interacting with real judges and attorneys makes you strive for a level of professionalism. No high schooler will get that kind of experience anywhere else. We learn how to act professionally around adults,” noted Mock Trial class member Erica Kinsel.
About a third of the class are contemplating a future in the legal system.
“One of the things I like to stress is the number of opportunities in the legal system for attorneys. You can work for yourself, stay at home and work on the computer or work for a company. The opportunities are endless. It’s hard to get over the line to pass the bar, but those standards should be high. Once you pass the Bar, you must meet certain moral standards. Sometimes it takes years for a person to be admitted because they have to deal with the moral issues,” Hoskins explains.
The class and the participation in the Mock Trials builds character and close bonds between the students.
“The secret to our success in such a small community is that we’ve been through a lot with the fires and so many things that brought us together as a team. During these four years, I learned so much about my classmates and myself. They will be there for me, along with teachers and coaches,” noted student Natalie Rodriguez.
“You are there, supporting each other. There are no weak links and you back each other up. There are very few opportunities in life to build such a cohesive, supportive unit,” noted Hoskins.
“I’m a junior this year. I started out as a freshman. I was very intimidated. I only knew two students. But throughout the whole experience, I felt very supported. I’ve never felt looked down upon. Everybody respected me and pushed me to do the best I could in my role as an expert witness,” said Henry Fenk.
“I’ve been playing sports for five years and never had quite the team experience as I’ve had at Mock Trial. There’s still selfishness in team sports. This experience has really helped me become a better person and create another family,” noted Mylie Turney.
“Fundraising for the trip is our biggest hurdle,” says Hoskins, adding that the Lake County Bar Association and Lake County Friends of Mendocino College help with a portion of the expenses for State Finals. “Students are expected to raise funds. We have a GoFundMe account, and we’ve had car washes, bakes sales, Krispy Crème fundraisers and a shoe drive.” The students must raise approximately $10,000 to cover expenses for the trip.
Sophomore Kevin Nance started out as a junior bailiff. His experience in the class has expanded his ideas for the future. “Initially I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but now I’m considering doing something involving law,” Nance noted.
“Mock Trial is the best,” concluded Lilly Sampson.
To contribute to the student GoFundMe account, visit MHS Mock Trial State Competition – 2020 organized by Janina Hoskins.
