Mock Trial is the perfect extracurricular activity for those wanting to improve their public speaking skills, familiarize themselves with the United States legal process, and have a lot of fun. The FHN Mock Trial team is run by the Speech and Debate sponsors Randy Pierce and Noah Slaughter and has won the Missouri State competition for two consecutive years.

Schools participating in the Mock Trial competition will receive a case packet of a fictional court case. Using the case packet, participating schools will put together a team of lawyers and witnesses for both the defense and the prosecution/plaintiff and will compete against each other.

In Mock Trial, participants will have a chance to choose between being a lawyer or a witness for the trial. Lawyers are expected to follow the rules of a real trial, including executing preliminary matters, conducting direct and cross examinations and making opening and closing statements to the jury. Participants who are playing as a witness are expected to testify to the events the character witnessed, as well as the character’s general knowledge of what happened.

The Mock Trial season starts in mid October and is a considerable time commitment. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, the Mock Trial program can provide students with many opportunities to learn and develop important skills.