High School Mock Trial Recap
| Publication year | 2008 |
| Pages | 07 |
| Citation | Vol. 77 No. 6 Pg. 07 |
By Scott M. Hill, Hite, Fanning & Honeyman LLP, Wichita, KBA YLS president-elect
They may be young, but that doesn't mean that can't try a good case. On March 1 and April 5, high schoolers from across the state presented their "case" for mock trial supremacy at the Kansas Bar Association Young Lawyers Section's (KBA YLS) regional and state Kansas High School Mock Trial competitions. This 11th annual project allows high school student teams to participate in minitrials that are judged by attorneys. The student teams consist of three to four student attorneys and three student witnesses. The student attorneys present opening statements, closing arguments, and direct- and cross-examination of three witnesses. The top six schools from the Wichita and Olathe regional competitions (held in March) advance to the state competition (held in April).
The Wichita regional (hosting schools west of Topeka) saw a relatively small field — three teams from The Independent School, two teams from Sunrise Christian Academy, and a single team from Collegiate. But not to be disappointed with the limited competition, the talent coming from these early rounds was evident. Going in to the final round, The Independent School's "A" team was perfect, with its "B" team in a close second place. The two squared off in the final round, with the winner headed to the state tournament. The fight for the second spot in the state tournament saw an evenly matched Sunrise Academy "A" team versus Collegiate. Judges in both contests commented about the quality of competition and the worthiness of each of the teams to represent the Wichita region at the state tournament. After several close contests, the "A" teams from Independent and Sunrise finished one-two and advanced to the state competition, with the "C" team from Independent finishing third.
While in sharp contrast in the number of teams, the Olathe regional tournament also produced exceptional competition and outstanding performances. Teams from Bonner Springs (High), Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission West, and Blue Valley Northwest all competed. Finishing one-two-three, and moving on to the state competition was Shawnee Mission North (first place), Shawnee Mission East (second place), and Blue Valley Northwest (third place). As the Olathe regional sent four teams to state (none of which...
To continue reading
Request your trial