Debate/Mock Trial Team

  • Mission Statement/Information
    Mock Trial aims to bring law to life for students through active preparation for and participation in the Vincent J. Aprusseze Mock Trial Competition of New Jersey. The goal is not to win for the sake of winning, but to learn and understand the meaning of good citizenship in a democracy vis-a-vis our system of law and justice. In this sense, all the students who participate will be winners.
     

    Club Goals/Objectives

    1. To increase comprehension of the historical, ethical and philosophical basis of the American justice system.
    2. To help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading, and analyzing.
     
    Activities/Events/Fundraisers:
    Vincent J. Apprussese Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation
     
    Attorney Advisors
    In order to help our members refine their legal skills, two local attorneys volunteer their time.  James Tracy Esq. and Josh Carmel Esq. serve as our attorney advisors.

Meeting Information

  • Meeting Location
    Room C4
     
    Meeting Schedule
     
    Standing meeting for attorneys with Mr. Tracy - 7-8PM every Monday evening via google meet
     
     
    September 17, (Tuesday), at 10:30 AM during Unit Lunch in Room C4.
    October 1, (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM during Unit Lunch in Room C4.  Agenda: State v. Goldilocks; 24-25 workbook distribution.
    October 9, (Wednesday) at 10:30 AM during Unit Lunch in Room C4. Agenda: theory of the case and witness statements.
    October 16 at 10:30 AM during Unit lunch - witness assignments/preferences
    October 24 at 10:30 AM - theory of the case, background on products liability
    October 31 at 10:30 AM - defense team, attorneys and witnesses for O'Connell
    November 1 at 10:30 AM - plaintiff's team, attorneys and witnesses for Capella
    November 4 at 10:30 AM - plaintiff's team - Delani analysis
    November 5 at 10:30 - defense team - Stone analysis
    November 13 at 10:30 - plaintiff's team - St. Clair analysis
    November 14 at 10:30 - defense team - Popinjay analysis
     
    Mr. Tracy will be meeting with selected witnesses and the attorneys (usually) on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 PM at the Wall Library.  These meetings will begin on November 19.  He will meet with WITNESSES only on Tuesday December 3 from 6 to 8 PM.
     
    Regular witness preparation meetings will begin week of November 18.
    The meetings will be during lunch in Room C4.  Here is the schedule:
    Tuesday, November 19 Jenn Dellett
    Wednesday November 20 Michael Fury
    Thursday November 21 Cole Holthusen
    Friday November 22 Colin Jackson
    Monday November 25 Jake Karcich
    Tuesday November 26 Chloe Zecca
    Monday Decembe 2 Sean Cartinella
    Tuesday December 3 Justin Lee
    Wednesday December 4 Noah Gribko
    Thursday December 5 Avi McInnis
    Friday December 6 Kierney Grace
    Monday December 9 Reagan Urban
    Tuesday December 10 Ella Dowd
    Wednesday December 11  Michael Koplin

Club Advisors

  • Advisors: Mr. Gavin

    Attorney Advisors:

    • James Tracy, Esq.
    • Joshua Carmel, Esq.

  • The NJ State Bar Foundation this year will be conducting two additional competitions ancillary to the Mock Trial Competition.  They are:

    1.  Courtroom Artist Competition (registration deadline is October 31, 2024), and

    2. Student Courtroom News Reporter Competition (registration deadline is October 31, 2024).

     

    These competitions will require attendance at the Mock Trial competition in January or February.   Click on the links above for more information or come to the next meeting of the Club.