On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Tracy High School’s mock trial team competed at the San Joaquin County Courthouse for their second round of competition.
The team’s experience proved to be influential in their victory, as their speaking skills and legal knowledge outshined their soft-spoken opponents.
The team won their first and second rounds and hopes to win the remaining four. On Feb. 4, the defense portion of the team went against ABLE Charter School from Stockton.
Coach and former member of Tracy High’s mock trial team Leighton Scott said round two “was a really good example of what all that hard work can get you.”
Pretrial attorney Aiden Assifi agreed that round two “was really good.”
“The part I enjoy the most is… being able to be in a courtroom,” Assifi said. “It’s so interesting to see, you know, legal professionals in a real setting,” he added.
Tracy High’s mock trial team is split into two factions: the defense and the prosecution, who perform a simulated trial based on an annual case packet.
“The kids have been practicing nonstop pretty much since September or October,” Scott said.
Regarding the team’s ranking, Scott said, “I feel like it’s very expected… I would be disappointed if we weren’t in the top three at this point.”
Tracy High’s team has won the county competition for three years in a row and is currently in the top three.
“I think it’s their dedication to want to do it… They really put in the time, and, not to sound corny, but we are a family,” Scott said. “They rely on each other, they help each other—there’s a big element of trust in our team.”
Award-winning witness Iris Galicia portrayed defendant Logan Gold during the trial.
“Getting to kind of create that character myself… this innocent yet, like, practical and responsible person, was really cool,” Galicia said.
Witnesses and attorneys work together to write scripts for direct and cross-examinations to perform in front of the judge and jury. Because the team’s main job is to perform, the most memorable parts of the trial often come from unique witnesses.
“Make it sound more comfortable and establish a character that suits you,” Galicia advised for a witness’ creative process.
“Anyone who’s interested in public speaking or acting or debate… [or] who wants to go into law… they should try out,” Scott said.
