Mock Trial is a fictional simulated court case performed by high school students against other high schools. The case is given in early September for the students to rehearse and perform the different roles as if they were in a real courtroom faced with this situation.

Columbus will be participating in a criminal trial court case this year. “Most of the team has little experience when it comes to what the event will be like” describes Mr. Coan, the leader of mock trial. “We will learn as we go and try to prepare the best we can throughout our practices.”

At mock trial practices, the team will meet up and rehearse the case by going through the different roles of the witnesses and the lawyers. They will also go through the different situations and prepare for any possible response to the situations of the criminal case in the best way they can. The team will not know whether they will be on the prosecution or defense side until the day of Districts. The case will be performed in front of a real judge.

Senior member, Makenzy Johnston, has been participating in mock trial for three years. She decided to join because it sounded like fun to her. Makenzy still enjoys being involved in mock trial because she feels that mock trial is like one big family with a special connection.  

Sophomore, Libby Wurdeman, will be participating in mock trial for the first time. “I decided to join because I like watching crime and law shows. I thought mock trial would be a fun way to immerse myself into the experience that I love to watch.” Libby states. In mock trial practices, Libby enjoys trying to figure out the timeline of what has happened during the criminal case. Her favorite part is discussing ways to trick the opposing witnesses into confessing information that would help to benefit their side of the criminal case.

This year Columbus High School‘s mock trial team will perform their district competition on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Platte County Courthouse.