Just around the corner, on January 23rd, is the ‘Mock Trial Jamboree’ at Eastside Catholic High School. The use of the jamboree is to be a practice for the big Districts event that takes place in February at the King County Courthouse. If you don’t already know, Mock Trial is an act or imitation trial that simulates lower-court trials. Mock trials are occasionally used by an attorney who is preparing for a real trial in which he or she would have volunteers as role players to test the theories or experiment with each other. As for the student-based Mock Trial Teams, participants are either a witness or an attorney. The goal is for the students to compete together as a legal team to present their side of the case. The team competes against other local high school teams. As far as the Blanchet team goes, the group is given their case in October and has until Districts in February to practice. At the Jamboree, the team will be putting on only a portion of their case- the witness testimony. Being a member of the Mock Trial Team comes with the ability to sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking skills.

“Being apart of the team is a great way to take your mind off of school, yet still keep your brain working. It is such a great feeling to be talking about a topic that you are so passionate about, and even better if you win”, said BBHS junior and current Mock Trial member, Sam Conroy.

The team is led by Blanchet Alumni and current English teacher, Ms. Jennifer Shapiro. Overall, this team has advanced in many ways and each year is exposed to new talent. If interested in joining, contact Ms. Shapiro at [email protected] or find her in room 305. Come, make the drive to Eastside Catholic and support your Brave Mock Trial Team on the 23rd!