Debate/Mock Trial Team

  • Mission Statement/Information
    Mock Trial aims to bring law to life for students through active preparation for and participation in the Vincent J. Aprusseze Mock Trial Competition of New Jersey. The goal is not to win for the sake of winning, but to learn and understand the meaning of good citizenship in a democracy vis-a-vis our system of law and justice. In this sense, all the students who participate will be winners.
     

    Club Goals/Objectives

    1. To increase comprehension of the historical, ethical and philosophical basis of the American justice system.
    2. To help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading, and analyzing.
     
    Activities/Events/Fundraisers:
    Vincent J. Apprussese Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation
     
    Attorney Advisors
    In order to help our members refine their legal skills, two local attorneys volunteer their time.  James Tracy Esq. and Josh Carmel Esq. werve as our attorney advisors.

Meeting Information

  • Meeting Location
    Room C4
     
    Meeting Schedule
    October 19, 2023 after school - distribution of packets, development of schedule for future meetings, preliminary selection of roles
    October 25, 2023  6:30-7:30 - google meet for prospective attorneys - attorney preparation
    November 1. 2023  6:30 PM google meet for prospective attorney training
    November 7, 2023 after school in room C-4 - primarily for witnesses but all are invited.
    November 8, 2023 6:30 PM google meet for prospective attorney training
    November 15, 2023 6:30 PM google meet for prospective attorney training
    November 21, 2023 after school in room C-4 for all.  Review of elements of the case, strengths and weaknesses and preparation schedule planning
     
    Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday  in December after school in room C-4 for witness preparation.
     
    December 14, 2023  6 PM.  Virtual meet for defense team - attorneys and witnesses.
    December 21, 2023 6 PM  Virtual meeting for defense team - attorneys, witnesses and attorney advisor
                                     7:30 Virtual meeting for prosecutors
     
    January 3, 2024  6PM virtual meeting for Prosecution team
    January 4, 2024  6 PM virtual meeting for Defense team
    January 6, 2024  9 AM to 1:30 PM  -  team sessions at Wall Public Library
     
    Week of January 8: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - after school in C4 - in person attorney training sessions
                                    Monday through Thursday - evening (approximately 7:30 PM) - virtual attorney training sessions
     
    Saturday, January 13, 2024 - 9:30 to 1:30 - practice at Wall Public Library
     
    January 15, 2024 - 4-5 PM - Prosecution attorney preparation - virtual;  6-7 PM all attorneys - evidentiary issues
    Week of January 16, 2024 - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - after school and virtual - preparation sessions
     
    Saturday, January 20, 2024 - 9:30-1:30 - practice at Wall Public Library
    Week of January 20,, 2024 - both after school in person and evening google meet witness and attorney preparation meetings.
    Saturday January 27, 2024 9:30 to 4:00 PM practice at Wall Public Library
    Sunday, January 28, 2024 - google meet with defense attorney
    Monday, January 29, 2024 - dress rehersal/practice at Wall Municipal Court - 9AM to 4PM
    Saturday, February 3, 2024 - practice at Wall Library - 9 AM-1 PM
    Monday, February 6, 2024 - practice at 3PM at Wall Municipal Court
     
     
     
    Monmouth County Competition Schedule (at the Monmouth County Courthouse)
              Bus leaves at 4 PM; entire team meets in C4 for final session review
    January 30, 2024  (preliminary round)
    January 31, 2024 (preliminary round)
    February 1, 2024 (round of 16)
    February 6, 2024 (round of 8)
    February 7, 2024 (semifinals)
    February 8, 2024 (FINALS)
     
     
     
    March Meeting - Tuesday March 12, 2024 after school in room C4.  

Club Advisors

  • Advisors: Mr. Gavin

    Attorney Advisors:

    • James Tracy, Esq.
    • Joshua Carmel, Esq.

  • The NJ State Bar Foundation this year will be conducting two additional competitions ancillary to the Mock Trial Competition.  They are:

    1.  Courtroom Artist Competition (registration deadline is October 27, 2023), and

    2. Student Courtroom News Reporter Competition (registration deadline is November 3, 2023).

     

    These competitions will require attendance at the Mock Trial competition in January or February.   Click on the links above for more information or come to the next meeting of the Club.