[Old Crow]

No, not what Skunky is probably thinking.

Just got back from a long evening and had to post something to share my excitement over a very rewarding experience.

First, some background. In California, like many other states, high schools in counties across the state compete in an interscholastic Mock Trial program. Students receive a hypothetical case and learn how to portray lawyers, witnesses, experts, bailiffs, etc. and actually try cases against each other before real judges in local county courthouses. One school is the prosecution and another school takes the defense and they go through a complete criminal trial, complete with opening statements, direct and cross examination and closing argument, all the while dealing with objections, difficult witnesses and the whims of judges. The competition takes place in a round robin format over several weeks.

It is not about becoming a lawyer- only a small percentage actually go on to become lawyers- but more about learning to reason, speak effectively in public, think on your feet and respond well to adversity. The competition is very intense with winning teams from each county moving on to a state-wide competition. These kids, some of whom are freshmen, spend hours each week over several months studying, reasoning and preparing for the competition.

The program depends greatly on local lawyers volunteering to serve as attorney coaches and teach the kidfs courtroom procedure, evidence, preparing witnesses and how to act like trial lawyers. I have been doing this for a number of years now and tonight, for the first time ever, my team advanced to the finals. My kids will be going up against a powerhouse school (county winner for 6 years running) Thursday night. The final round will be held in a very ornamental formal coutroom of a new federal courthouse in our city with a sitting federal district court judge serving as the trial judge. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. No sleep for me for the next 2 days.

[Rush104]

Congratulatins, OC! Good luck to your and your team in the upcoming event!

[DADoser]

That's excellent!. You have to be so proud of your students/team. Good luck Thursday.

[Please post a follow-up.]

[Hurriup!]

Congrats OC and continued good luck sounds like you are getting as much out of it as the kids are, sounds like a rewarding and fun undertaking for them wish that kind of program existed when I was younger.

[MoMo]

Sounds great Old Crow. I hope that your kids beat the crap out of the " Hot House " brats !

[Captain Eddie]

Best wishes, Old Crow, may your kids kick butt!

[jim]

Go git em Old Crow,

[Old Crow]

Thanks for all the support and kind wishes, guys.

Took all my kids down to the federal courthouse today to let them get a feel for the place before the final tomorrow night. The courthouse is new and very ornate, with a huge (and intimidating) ceremonial courtroom. I wanted them to get over the jitters, kind of like that scene in Hoosiers when Gene Hackman's character takes the team from Hickory into the Indianapolis Field House before the state finals. I always tell my kids there is a sports analogy for everything in life.

Now, if I can just get over my own nerves.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Good Luck to you and your students.
JP

[SKUNKY]

That's great, O.C. My daughter was in mock trial in her senior year of high school (no, that's not the 6th grade, tank nut)....she had a great time and learned a lot from it..They went a long way and received high praise from the judges.....Good luck to you guys!