Mock Trial is a competition in which students simulate a real trial, which was brought to Fraser High School in the fall of 2023 by Social Studies teachers Mr. Gallina and Mr. Socha. Mock Trial has been around for a while, making its start in 1982 by the MCCE. The Mock Trial Club competes in the Mock Trial Competition run by The Michigan Center for Civic Education. Although this program hasn’t at Fraser for long, the club has made huge strides in success and numbers.
“We competed very admirable in our first year. We went 1-1-1 in our matches against other teams, some of whom have been competing for years. On an individual level, several of our witnesses and attorneys won awards for their excellent portrayals. Our club also received a banner which is now hanging outside the 2300 office,” Mock Trial Supervisor, Mr. Gallina said.
The Mock Trial Club travels from place-to-place in order to compete. The competitions involve many different aspects, that brings the idea of Mock Trial to life.
“Last year, we had 12 students compete in the Macomb County Regional at the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens. The competition involves our students transforming themselves into witnesses at attorneys in order to compete in front of judges and attorneys from the area,” Mr. Gallina said.
From last year, to this year, the club has seen a significant increase in participation.
“This year, the club has taken off. We have 32 students competing and will field 2 teams at regionals,” Mr. Gallina said.
Many students join Mock Trial for different reasons. For some, it’s about the learning opportunities.
“I joined Mock Trial because of the knowledge I am able to learn, and the fun I get to have with my friends,” Co-President Amber Masinick said.
And for others, it is something they are interested in for their future.
“I plan on pursuing law in the future and it’s an amazing club with amazing advisors,” Mock Trial member, Connor Hooper said.
While there are many reasons to get involved in clubs like Mock Trial, everything does come with its challenges.
“Some challenges of Mock Trial are all the reading. It can get time consuming,” Hooper said.
While challenges can be tough to overcome, there are always positives in the negative.
“This year we had enough members to create 2 full teams, which was pretty exciting,” Masinick said.
But even through the challenges, Mock Trial members can’t seem to get enough.
“While there can be some challenges, I would recommend people to join Mock Trial,” Masinick said.
While the club is relatively new, members come together to compete, simulate, and have fun with friends.
“I recommend Mock Trial, 1000%,” Hooper said.
