No Objection: Mock Trial Claims Top 8 Citywide

Mock Trial members and Mr. Resnick meet to reflect on their recent competitions. *Photo: Nina Chen*

By NINA CHEN and WINNIE WANG

The Mock Trial team secured a spot amongst the top eight schools in New York City after a win in the playoffs against Ezra Academy 55-53 on March 12.

Before that, the team defeated John Dewey High School 57-52 in the first playoff round at the Eastern District Federal Courthouse in Downtown Brooklyn on March 6 to make the top 16 for the first time since 2021.

Mock Trial is an annual competition held by the New York State Bar Association revolving around a fictional case. High schoolers have the opportunity to gain knowledge of civil or criminal law and courtroom procedures. By participating, students can develop their critical analysis and public speaking skills.

This year’s courtroom action featured a (fake) civil case for defamation and libel: Leyton Manns v. Sandy Townes. The case focused on allegations made by Manns, a former superintendent of the Helios School District whose reputation was ruined because of deepfake technology. Manns is suing the defendant, Sandy Townes, for allegedly creating the video and audio recordings that defamed him.

“The team that we beat [Ezra Academy] was very aggressive in their cross-examinations, and our witnesses did a really nice job in answering calmly,” Mr. Eugene Resnick, the faculty advisor, said.

“One of the big skills I’ve learned is to be poised, even if you might not know what you need to say or want to say,” said Ingrid Morocho ‘25, one of the team’s captains. “A lot of times in a competition, you’re in a courtroom and it might get nerve-wracking. But as long as you can bring out any argument you can in the heat of the moment and just have something in your head, it always helps.”

Mr. Resnick, who had been advising the team for eight years, said the purpose of Mock Trial is for students to “think quickly on their feet.”

“The competition allows the kids to gain confidence because they have to sound convincing when they are on the stand and presenting in front of the judge,” said Mr. Resnick. “I also want them to be respectful of the judge, the process, the other team, and just put in the effort and commitment.”

Around January and February, boroughwide competition starts. This season, the team made it to the playoffs with a point differential of +13. The five rounds of city playoffs are then followed by a statewide competition.

Hornets try out within the team for a position. For each side, there is a defense and a prosecution crew, making for a total of six witnesses and a designated lawyer for each witness. There are also students who act as liaisons, or do research on the case to help build up the reasoning.

Supervised by Mr. Resnick and Mr. Christopher Eisenhardt, the Mock Trial team meets for practice on Mondays and Wednesdays during periods 10 and 11 in Room 435, Midwood’s very own courtroom.

The students are assisted during practice sessions by visits from District Attorney Mr. Christian Calderon and Ms. Ellie Carter, the Mock Trial captain from Columbia University.

The team offers students a unique opportunity.

“I like acting, but I don’t really like the stage, so I decided to become something more niche that lets me embody a character,” said Angelina Krendel Smyslov ‘26, the team’s other captain.

“I’ve been looking into becoming an attorney, and Mock Trial is really helpful in giving me a good view of the field,” said Marta Rak ‘27, a paralegal who specializes in paperwork and helps lawyers with questioning. “Sometimes I replace witnesses if they aren’t there. Next year I’m definitely going to try out for one of the main roles. ”

Kobe Jiang ‘26, who played one of the witnesses, is also considering law as a possible future career. “I think Mock Trial is the right way to engulf myself in a courtroom setting and learn more about this area of study,” he said.

Like with other academic squads, communication and collaboration play a crucial part in Mock Trial’s success.

“Everybody coexists well, and when there’s a problem we all find a way to resolve it,” said Luis Olvera ‘26, an expert witness and investigator. “We’re very consistent. Whenever there’s an emergency meeting due to an update of the case, or if Mr. Resnick comes up with something new, we all respond quickly and make the changes necessary for our success.”

“I like the welcoming atmosphere and the overall energy that the captains have, along with the others,” Jiang said. “It really makes you want to learn and keep improving yourself.”

As the Mock Trial team celebrates its accomplishments, pushing to new heights this year, let’s congratulate them and hope Midwood keeps up the courtroom momentum in the years to come.