Monday, May 20, 2024
The Gatesville High School Law practicum class recently made their way to the Baylor University School of Law in Waco for a Mock Trial competition.
The team was led by educator Brittney “Star” Hamilton. They competed in four rounds over the course of three days (Thursday, Feb. 1, through Saturday, Feb. 3).
The class had very little time to prepare for the mock trial since the case is released each year on Oct. 1, and the competition is held the following February.
Although there was a time crunch, the students worked hard in the months leading up to the trial.
“We met two to three times a week from November to February practicing opening statements, direct and cross examination, and closing arguments,” Hamilton said.
This year’s mock trial involved a civil case in which 14.2 billion dollars was at stake.
“A billionaire took an excursion on a submersible and, unfortunately, did not return (sound familiar?),” Hamilton said.
The team was able to be the plaintiff and defense twice.
The students consisted of attorneys Alex Johnson, Keira Ruiz, and Cameron Thompson. The witnesses were portrayed by Alaynah Wrisk, Aeriale Appleton, Katie Hopson, Callie Earls, Cloie Byrom, and Brianna Petrie (with the alternate being Lexi Cobb).
Each team is required to bring a timekeeper, and Gatesville’s was Raylee Glover. She is responsible for keeping the team within a strict time frame with each round lasting up to two and a half hours.
“It was a tough competition and unfortunately, we did not advance,” Hamilton said. “However, our artist Ellie Knobloch will be advancing to state after placing first at regionals in the courtroom artist competition.”
To be a successful courtroom artist, you would need excellent drawing skills and the ability to work quickly while maintaining accuracy in your work.
Knoblock was given the length of the court proceedings, as well as one and a half hours to two and a half hours to draw a scene from the trial that depicts the emotions and content of the courtroom.
“This is the second year we have competed, and I feel that we have improved a great deal from last year,” Hamilton said. “Coaches from the competing schools complimented us on our improvement.”
Knobloch will attend the state competition in Dallas to compete as a region 12 courtroom artist on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.
“Being an attorney is a tough job and takes years of schooling,” Hamilton said. “This program encourages students to look past the years of schooling to the benefit of what an attorney is and does.”
“I look forward to the growth between now and next year and hope to advance,” Hamilton said.
