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
     
    Regular witness preparation meetings will begin week of November 18.

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.