Tottenville High School Mock Trial Association

What exactly is mock trial?

Ever see shows like Law & Order and the Practice? Movies like My Cousin Vinny and A Few Good Men? Mock trial is exactly like that! Well, sort of. Mock Trial, stated simply, is a simulated trial activity. Two schools compete against each other: one school performs on the prosecution/plaintiff side, while the other school performs on the defense side of the case. Every school in the state is presented with the same fact pattern and the same set of witnesses. Each individual school decides how their team wants to present both sides of the case, coming up with their own theories and trial strategies. After months of diligent preparation, schools face off in court.

How does a mock trial round work?

The trial begins with opening statements, in which each side details their case theory: what witnesses they will be calling and what the witnesses will be telling the court. Next, the prosecution/plaintiff begins their case in chief, which means that they call their three witnesses. Witnesses in high school mock trial vary greatly: some are eye witnesses, expert doctors, police officers, neighbors or friends. Each witness undergoes a direct examination, followed by a cross examination. In a direct, the prosecution asks their own witness questions that will help develop their case theory. In a cross, the defense counsel asks the prosecution witness questions to challenge that witness’ credibility or testimony. After the prosecution/plaintiff presents their case in chief, it’s the defense’s turn to present their case in chief. The defense presents their three witnesses, who are cross examined by the prosecution/plaintiff counsel. After both sides have presented their witnesses and cross examined the other side’s witnesses, it is time for closing arguments. In closing arguments, each side is given a chance to tie all the loose ends of their case together. While there is no argument in an opening statement, a closing is essentially all argument. It is the last chance for either side to present their side of the story and manipulate the facts in their favor. After the trial is over, a winner is declared. Each round is judged by one New York City attorney. Each judge is given a score card, and each role is given a score out of five. Whoever has the most points at the end of the trial is the winner.

What is mock trial at Tottenville High School?

The Tottenville Pirates compete in the New York State Mock Trial Competition. After months of preparation, the Pirates are guaranteed two rounds against two other teams in the city. If they are victorious, they then compete in five single-elimination rounds to determine the city champion. If the Pirates win the city, they go on to Albany where they face other region winners to determine the New York State Champion. New York City is one of six regions that comprise the New York State Competition. Since 2007, the Pirates have hosted, and competed in, the Empire City Invitational. The tournament is a three day, four round event that brings together teams from across the country. Students are scored by two judges and given comments by three. If the Pirates finish as one of the top two teams at the tournament, then they are given the opportunity to compete in the championship round.

How successful is mock trial at Tottenville High School?

Since 2004, the modern era of mock trial at Tottenville High School, we have been extremely successful. Here is how we've done:

State Competition
2004 1st place, New York City (7-0); 5th place, New York State
2005 2nd place, New York City (7-1)
2006 2nd place, New York City (7-1)
2007 8th place, New York City (4-1)
2008 1st place, New York City (7-0); 2nd place, New York State

Empire City Invitational

2007 5th place (5-3)