The Mock Trial team competed at regional competitions Wednesday, March 24, held in Lebanon, Tenn. They also placed second at Districts on March 10. Social studies teacher Melissa Hess and local attorney Whitney Caudill supervised the team.

Attorneys juniors Chelsea Phipps and Courtney Woods and witnesses senior Anna Hodges, juniors Drew Jackson and Kris Proctor made up the plaintiff’s side. The defense was represented by attorneys seniors Nicole Belcher and Pat Callahan and witnesses senior Lisa Bodenhorst, juniors John Godfrey and Claudia Kiss. Juniors Elissa McElheny and Anna Epling were alternates.

This year’s case was about a tragic shooting involving two stepsiblings. One parent (A) is suing the other (B) for all future medical expenses and loss of companionship. A’s case was usually based on the fact that the gun was stored in B’s home. B argued that it was not his/her gun and that A would have been just as responsible for the shooting. The ultimate goal was to find out which parent was the more negligent.

In Mock Trial, students receive information packets about a specific case. Individuals assume the roles of witnesses or attorneys.

Witnesses memorize their depositions (written statements describing their roles in the incident) and testify to the court. Witnesses are expected to know their information well enough to respond clearly to the opposing attorney’s questions, as well as being able to defend themselves.

Attorneys argue their side with evidence provided in the packet, mostly from the witnesses’ depositions. They also gather information for refuting the other side’s argument and perform an important part in the entire process: objecting.

Objecting is basically jumping up during the opposing attorney’s questioning and saying that the other attorney is not following proper procedure. The attorneys argue whether the objection is valid, and the judge has the final say.