Lessons in law, lessons in life.

• Author: Megica, Shannon
• Position: Florida

Objection, your Honor! Counsel is leading the witness." Does this sound like your last trial or maybe an episode of Law and Order? This is actually just one of the statements from the many courtrooms filled with high school students. Yes, you heard it right, they are high school students. These students are involved in a mock trial program which gives them the opportunity to have their day in court literally.

Over 400 students in Florida were involved in the competitive mock trial program at the state and district level last year. Twenty-five high schools from counties all across Florida participated in the 1999 High School Mock Trial State Finals, which increases each year as more districts become involved. The district winners will now compete in judicial circuit competitions to determine which team will represent its circuit in the state finals.

The competing mock trial teams consist of six to eight students who put all of their time and energy into the competition case. Acting as lawyers and witnesses, the students must prepare for trial and present the case as both the prosecution and defense. The team members, their teacher coach, and attorney coaches don't even bat an eye at the idea of spending countless hours on the case. In fact, they seem to love it!

The teams that compete come from many different backgrounds. For example, there is only one high school in Baker County, and each year this small Baker County High School sends a team to the state finals. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dade County has a district competition almost as big as the state finals. Is there any difference in the quality of the teams? Not really. Schools from smaller districts have just as good a chance of winning as schools from highly populated areas. This past year, Leon High School from Leon County competed against only one other team at the district level and took home the first place trophy at the state finals.

Benefits to the Students

The mock trial program is not just about winning. The program teaches the students about the legal system and the ability to think on their feet. Once the students begin the trial, they are completely on their own to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Students who participate not only walk away with a greater knowledge of the legal system and courts but also gain public speaking skills. Shandelia Peters, a student from Pinellas Park High School, stated, "I have learned so much even though we did not make...