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This winter, members of the Boonton High School Mock Trial Club, under the guidance of Ms. LaPlaca, stepped into the courtroom spotlight as they competed against other schools in an annual competition.
But what exactly is a mock trial, and how did Boonton’s team perform?
At its core, Mock Trial is an academic club offered in many high schools across the country. It’s designed to simulate real courtroom experiences, giving students the opportunity to explore the world of law and develop public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. While many participants are interested in legal careers, the club is open to any student curious about the justice system.
Each year, participating schools are provided with a case packet outlining a fictional legal scenario. This includes background facts, affidavits, and both the plaintiff and defense arguments. Students then choose their roles _ lawyers, witnesses, or alternates _ and spend the first half of the school year preparing for trial.
When it’s time to compete, one school presents the plaintiff side while the other argues for the defense, and roles are assigned randomly. Trials are held in actual courthouses and presided over by real judges to give students an authentic legal experience.
Students are scored by a panel based on a rubric that assesses everything from argument structure and questioning to courtroom demeanor.
Although the jury present during the competition votes on which side they found more persuasive, their decision does not affect the final score. It’s more for realism and feedback. Scoring is strictly based on the judge’s evaluation.
In January of 2025, the BHS Mock Trial teams competed in separate trials. While the teams didn’t win based on points, they did gain valuable experience. In the match on Jan. 9, the jury voted in favor of Boonton’s defense team, showing that their arguments were persuasive, even if the point totals didn’t swing their way.
Despite the outcome, team members are already looking ahead to next year with determination and enthusiasm. With another year of experience gained, the BHS Mock Trial Club is ready to return to the courtroom stronger than ever.
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