Students participate in Mock Trial Competition on January 9, 2015

On Friday, January 9th, 2015, local judges will be greeted by a new generation of "lawyers" as Grade 12 law students in legal gowns begin their opening arguments at the annual Mock Trial Competition at the Sudbury Court House. Close to 85 students from the Rainbow District School Board and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will participate in the Mock Trials.

The Sudbury and District Law Association members continue their strong support of the Mock Trial program. This year, local lawyer Trevor Kestle from Miller Maki LLP has recruited 20 lawyer colleagues to volunteer their time to assist and coach students as they prepare their case.  The local office of the Ministry of the Attorney General is also a strong supporter and accommodates the competition in the courthouse.  To the extent possible, the students are provided with an authentic learning experience presenting their cases in actual courtrooms assisted by experienced court staff.  Some students will have the opportunity of presenting their cases in the beautiful historical courtroom that is used for all important court ceremonies.

“The schools and families of the participating students can be very proud of the efforts made by these students,” says Madame Justice Patricia C. Hennessy.  “They are engaged in experiential learning at a very high level, enhancing the theory presented to them in their classrooms.  I am convinced of the benefit of this exercise as an excellent means to introduce key concepts of the trial process to the students, a topic that should engage all members of the community.” 

Secondary schools participating in the 2015 competition include Confederation Secondary School, Espanola High School, Lasalle Secondary School, Lockerby Composite School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Sudbury Secondary School, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, St. Charles College and Marymount Academy. 

The 2015 trial has captured the interest of the students.  It revolves around an on ice fight between two players during a hockey game.  Mr. Moose, the defendant, is charged with assault causing bodily harm after punching his opposing teammate who suffered injuries to his face.  In this particular hockey league, the players did not wear defensive equipment and there was a no-checking rule. 

Students will have the opportunity to participate in trials throughout the day with the top two performing teams participating in the Championship Trial.  Students are competing for the coveted Hennessy Cup, named after Madame Justice Patricia C. Hennessy, Mock Trial Project Lead since its inception 14 years ago. A number of additional awards will be presented – Best Advocate Defense, Best Advocate Crown, Best Witness and the Civility Award for professionalism.

Rainbow District School Board Chair, Doreen Dewar, thanks the volunteer coaches from the Sudbury and District Law Association and the Sudbury Crown Attorney’s Office who, year after year, provide hundreds of hours of time to this project.  “Through the Mock Trial Competition, local lawyers make an invaluable contribution to student learning by bringing the classroom into the courtroom,” she says. “Many students have been inspired to pursue studies in the legal field after secondary school.” She adds: “We commend the legal community for being exceptional role models for community service and student success.”

The Mock Trial Competition is well established within the Grade 12 Law curriculum. In addition to meeting curriculum expectations, mock trials develop other skills in students, including public speaking, teamwork, presentation, preparation and critical thinking skills.  This year, Thorneloe University Professor Patricia Tedford shared her acting and directing expertise to coach students with their performance skills, focusing specifically on voice projection, intonation, and use of proximity as techniques to enhance delivery.

“The students are faced with the difficult task of proving a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt,” says Madame Justice Patricia C. Hennessy. “To succeed, they must understand how to best present the evidence and to argue their positions.” She adds: “Win or lose, they learn how difficult the job of proving a case can be and how the court grapples with different types of evidence.  These are important concepts in a democracy.  At the end of the day, these students, our future community leaders, will learn lessons they will never forget, skills they will always use, and develop a confidence that will stand them in good stead no matter what they do or where they go.”
   
The Mock Trial Competition will begin at 8:30 am in Courtroom A, with an opening address by area judges. (Observers must arrive on time in order to gain entry for this portion of the proceedings.) Trials will continue throughout the day and culminate with the championship trial from 2 pm to 3:30 pm. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 3:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend. Photographs will be permitted throughout the proceedings.

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Roberts, Curriculum Co-ordinator,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-523-3308, ext. 8209.