Verdict: Des Moines Middle School Wins State Mock Trial

DES MOINES, IA — A team of would-be lawyers from Des Moines' Merrill Middle School became the district's first middle school team in more than 30 years to claim a state championship in mock trial. The Mustangs took home the top award in the 34th annual Iowa Middle School Mock Trial Tournament, sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association.

During mock trial, students assume roles that include attorney and expert witness. The competition requires them to cite statutes, introduce exhibits, raise objections, and follow typical courtroom procedure when addressing the judge or a witness. They compete through rounds before advancing to the finals, and at each level the arguments are decided by legal professionals, including district and appellate court judges.

Merrill received a unanimous decision in the final round, according to the school district.

The school has four mock trial teams this year and a joint team with Callanan Middle School. They begin preparation for mock trial at the beginning of the school year. Two Merrill teams made it to the state level, where 34 teams took part in the tournament.

The winning team is coached by John McKinney and Randy Jackson. Student members are Crey Abbas, Alice Anderson, Isabelle Bruce, Norah Egge, Elle Green, Ryan Huang, Nicholas Jackson, Maggie McKinney, Henry Mitchell, Chloe Neff and John Puri.

Photo: Merrill Middle School's mock trial team won a state championship this week./Des Moines Public Schools