Newfield's Mock Trial Team enjoyed a successful season this year. Although the team meets all year long, practices were in full force by the end of December. Auditions took place the week after the advisors received case materials from the New York State Bar Association and students were promptly assigned to roles. 

In just over a month, the team poured over the entire case file, along with prospective objections. They drafted direct examinations, cross-examinations, openings, and closes.

On February 4th, 2021, Newfield's Defense lost to Smithtown West's Prosecution. The following week, Newfield's Prosecution lost to Northport's Defense. However, both trials resulted in extremely close scores and small margins of victory. On February 24th, 2021, the team was notified that despite their losses, they had scored high enough to secure a Wild Card position against Commack High School. This trial too resulted in a loss for a Newfield. In a few weeks, Newfield's former rival, Northport, secured the County Championships.

Nevertheless, the Mock Trial Team celebrates its achievements in learning more about the law and courtroom procedure. We spoke to the advisors and students to hear more about their Mock Trial experience.

Ms. McMillen has been an advisor for Mock Trial since 2003, since which the team has made it all the way to the quarter-finals. She tells us that she, "enjoys seeing individual students grow in their skills and in their maturity and confidence over several years." She also tells us, "I think being part of the Mock Trial helps students with public speaking, acting (learning a role), being able to communicate an objection under pressure, teamwork, and learning more about the legal system."

Mr. Latham has been an advisor of the Newfield team since 2015, but did have a stint advising a team in New Jersey from 2003 to 2005. He tells, " I really enjoy working with students who may not be in my classes and exposing them to the nuances of the law. It is a really great opportunity for all of us to stretch our minds and figure out new and creative ways to argue a case. I also really enjoy the camaraderie that Mock Trial teams enjoy. I have coached sports teams and advised students in the theater for many years, but all the Mock Trial teams I have been engaged with have a unique bond that only they understand. This club is really good at fostering critical thinking skills and forces you to think on your feet in a way that many other clubs do not." Mock Trial Teams are graded on the basis of professional conduct, performance or how well the role is embodied, quality of objections, and understanding of the law. 

Junior Cassie Bruscino, who powerfully performed the plaintiff, Macca Elery McLaughlin, tells us, "I enjoy learning about the law and I enjoy the acting aspect of it. I love making friends because no matter who is in the group, we have a great deal of fun together." It is clear that the Mock Trial Team is much more like a family than an academic team. With the myriad of constructive criticism, this family will ensure you leave as a well-versed student of law.

But despite all of the seriousness in the courtroom or sternness of the judge, everyone manages to enjoy the trials - win or loss, and gather as many notes as possible to improve the next performance. Mr. Latham passionately adds, "I also enjoy trying to convince Mrs. McMillen that all of our witnesses would be better served with an accent."

As senior defense lawyer Nia Sallet puts it, "Mock Trial is not only a club, but a family. No matter what goes on in life, we create bonds with others who you know will have your back. Through both wins and losses, we always manage to come back stronger and we better ourselves in the process. Come be a part of our family and debate with our team!".

Pictured: 2020-21 Mock Trial Team holds a meeting after their last trial. (Left to right) - Mr. Latham (Advisor), Ms. McMillen (Advisor), Nia Sallet (Defense Lawyer), Aidan Wilson (Prosecution Lawyer), Cassie Bruscino (Lead Witness), Saitta Roy (Defense Lawyer), Matt Piringer (Witness), Rachel Gibbs (Prosecution Lawyer), Lillian Koller (Witness), Synia Grimes (Witness), Dora John (Prosecution Lawyer)

Not Pictured: Abbas Naqvi (Witness), Lidia Vasquez-Sinisi (Witness)