Mock Trial Exams Atomic Bomb Decision

One of the most pivotal moments in modern history will be examined more closely from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 11, at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township.

That’s where some of the area’s top legal minds will gather to stage a mock trial examining whether President Harry S. Truman was justified in dropping a pair of atomic bombs on Japan in the summer of 1945.

Japanese forced surrendered days later, thus bringing World War II to an end.

Retired Macomb County judge Antonio Viviano will act as Truman, while Macomb Probate Judge Carl Marlinga will serve as his defense attorney, according to a report in the Macomb Daily.

Renown attorney David Grien will act as the prosecutor at the event, and Retired judge James Biernat Sr. will preside over the proceedings.

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren will serve as the event’s host.

Some of the “expert witnesses,” will be portrayed by St. Clair Shores Police Chief Todd Woodcox, Roseville Treasurer Mickey Switalski and esteemed history professor Douglass Forrester.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham will act the the courtroom officer.

The event will also include historians and other officials.

The event is free of charge and audience members will be given verdict cards at the start of the trial and will be asked to render their decision on two counts at the end of the trial.

The first count is whether the former president was justified to drop the bombs, or whether it is a war crime.