A criminal trial. A stolen necklace. A friendship betrayed.
That’s what’s been going down in Mr. Rhone’s room lately. However, it’s not that Mr. Rhone has taken to allowing crime or high school drama in his class. It’s the facts of the latest case being tried by B-A’s mock trial team.
What exactly is mock trial? It’s a competition where a team of students present a case to the Pennsylvania Bar Assoc. against high schools from all over.
All participants are given the opportunity to try a case, which could be civil or criminal. Teams of student lawyers and witnesses prepare arguments to argue before a real judge and jury. From this experience, they will learn legal concepts, teamwork, develop speaking/critical thinking skills, and debate skills.
In many ways, mock trial is a highly organized form of debate.
All competing teams across Pennsylvania work on the same case each year, presenting cases as both prosecutors and defenders.
“This year’s case is a criminal trial,” said advisor Mr. Rhone. “Connie is arrested for stealing a historical necklace from a time capsule placed in a high school. The necklace is worth $25,000. He is claiming he was set up by a former friend turned enemy, Robin.”
Abby Laird, The President of the Mock trial case, says the case is “super interesting.”
“Although it may not be a murder case, the case is still fun to put together,” she said.
Abby plays the part of a lawyer, directing and cross-examining witnesses and doing closing statements.
The team’s first competition was held at the Blair County Court House. B-A was beaten by Central, which is a traditionally strong opponent.
“Although we did not win, we did well with only two of the six students competing ever having done a trial before. We are learning good speaking skills are a key to winning,” Mr. Rhone said.
Each team consists of 7 students per trial: 3 lawyers and 3 witnesses, and one time keeper. Both sides present their case through a mix of cross examination and questioning of the witnesses. Witnesses and lawyers develop their case based on transcripts of testimony they receive that all participants share as the foundation of the case. When the trial is done, a jury of lawyers from the area judge the case based on speaking, argumentation and legal concepts.
The case was given out in November and since then B-A’s team has practiced two times a week, including every Saturday morning at school, for 2 hours.
B-A’s 2025 team includes President Abbygail Laird, Vice President Derek Stivers, Secretary Emily Zacker, and Treasurer Trinity Maines as the officers, along with their lawyer advisor Suzzane Bigelow-Cherry and assistant supervisor Mr. Frye.
Other students filling the roles of lawyers and witnesses include: Noah Gulvas, Noah Cokrlic, Karlie Estright, Julie Kraft, Nike Osterhout, Dennis Brown, Anthony DeArmitt, Kirk Keen, Gabe Simpson, and Aiden DelMastro.
For more information on the people and the case, contact Mr. Rhone.
The team will be back in action on February 11 in its final meet of the season against Forest Hills at the Cambria County Courthouse.