While many know Mock Trial from Dr. Guru’s announcements during assembly, most students think Mock Trial is where BA’s overachievers argue for fun after school. While we do argue (and it is fun), Mock Trial involves a lot more than arguing and memorizing rules.

Each year, we get a case written by the State Bar of Wisconsin. We prepare two sides of the case: the prosecution (or plaintiff in a civil case) and the defense. BA’s prosecution goes up against another school’s defense, and vice-versa. During a trial, three witnesses testify on each side, and lawyers prepare directs, cross examinations, and statements. Throughout the trial, teams object to inadmissible statements and questions. For example, if I hear a witness babbling on about their love for owls (yes, this is a real example), I’ll stand up and exclaim, “Objection! Rule 401, Relevance! Your Honor, the witness’ love for owls has no relevance in this case, which involves whether Jesse Green destroyed the hydraulics.” The opposing lawyer will respond, and the judge will decide whether to sustain or overrule the objection.

After two scrimmages, we compete at Regionals. If we win first or second, then we head to state. If we win state, we head to nationals.

BA has always had a strong mock trial program. In 2017, BA’s Varsity Team won state, and JV placed second at Regionals. Last year, BA’s freshmen team headed to state.

Feel free to come shadow practices. They’re on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school. Talk to Varsity captains Cece Youso or Katherine Hearden, or Dr. Guru, if you want to join next year.