Marshall’s Mock Trial team advanced to states after placing sixth in their regional competition on January 30.
Mock Trial is a form of debate club for aspiring lawyers and attorneys that simulates an actual court trial. To prepare for the regional competition, the team had meetings every day after school.
“We went through our lines and practiced what to say,” said junior Athmik Jeyasekar, who joined the team this year.
Each member had many different parts to prepare for the competition.
“We would practice our direct and cross-examinations on each other, as well as our opening and closing statements,” junior Nia Gouvis said. “We would also practice making objections to each other and learning the rules.”
Gouvis said that she likes the format of mock trial competitions and being successful in winning against other teams.
“I really enjoy it because you have to formulate your argument carefully and specifically to cater to the rules,” she said. “It’s so rewarding when another team slips up on a question and you know the objection to make against them.”
Jeyasekar agreed.
“I really like shutting down the opposing lawyer, and I struggle to not laugh [when that happens],” he said.
As for the team moving on to states, both Gouvis and Jeyasekar said they are looking forward to their next competition.
“I’m excited to compete at a higher level,” said Jeyasekar.