BISH Houston's Mock Trial Returns to the Courtroom

This last weekend of January, BIS Houston once again competed in the Texas State Mock Trial Competition. I chose to take on the role of coach instead and used my knowledge to guide the new lawyers and witnesses. 

Unlike last year, the teams were able to compete in person again at an actual courthouse. In my opinion, this part of the experience is incredibly beneficial for those that would like to understand what it is like to act as a lawyer in real life. Additionally, due to the number of teams participating this year, three trials were held so that every team got to compete, something which is different than the last two years. 

The team members met at the courthouse early Saturday morning and assembled in the small attorney preparation room allocated for each team due to Covid-19 protocols. This room would become home base for our group throughout the long day we spent in the courthouse. While we awaited court assignments to determine who we would compete against first, many team members left the small room to explore the floor that we would remain on for the rest of the day and nervously practice their roles in anticipation. 

We were glad to discover that our first trial would be held in the courtroom we were already stationed in, so our plaintiff team were able to quickly set up and ready themselves to compete in front of real judges and attorneys while the defense settled into the spectator benches to observe. Our first trial had its good and bad moments; however, it went quite well given that it was the first time competing for all. The feedback that those watching were able to provide helped the defense with their upcoming case as well as the plaintiff when they would compete again later. 

After a quick pizza break, the defense was ready to present their case and our second trial was underway. Hugo B. comments on his experience as attorney giving the opening statement for the defense: "Mock trial was not just a really fun experience but a great opportunity to learn how to be spontaneous and gain confidence while still maintaining formality in the court room."

By the time our third trial was set to begin, everyone was exhausted after sitting through two other trials. Overcoming this, the plaintiff team managed to pull it off and delivered a truly excellent trial where they acted upon feedback given to them after their first trial to make this their best performance yet. 

Finally, all that was left was to hear the results. The teams all gathered in a courtroom on the top floor, the first time they would be in the same room all day besides when competing. After listening to acclaimed defense attorney, Chris Tritico, speak about his own experience in law, everyone was ready to find out who would advance to State. 

The team was understandably disappointed to learn that we would not be continuing in the competition to compete at State but I know everyone was happy with their performance and the work they had put in over the last few months.

Overall, I was very proud of our new team members, and it was amazing to be able to watch them learn more about the world of law over the course of the last few months. I am very excited to see what happens next year when those that were new this year will have the experience and confidence that comes from actually competing in a courtroom.