South Side HS Mock Trial Club Wins First Live Competition

This past February, the South Side High School Mock Trial Club won its first-ever live competition at the Nassau County Supreme Court. In preparation, student participants practiced, created their own questions and responses, and created case theories and ideas. South Side High School advisors and coaches acted as sounding boards. Rockville Centre Teachers Association members Michael Bo and Corrine McGetrick serve as Co-Presidents of the club.

The Mock Trial Club serves as an opportunity for South Side High School students to learn about the United States legal system and law, experience courtroom proceedings and learn critical thinking and public speaking skills. In the state of NY, a case is developed and given to the students at the end of November. All schools have two months to prepare for the trial, with students playing the roles of attorneys and witnesses. After the initial two rounds, the top teams move onto a single elimination tournament. The process culminates in a State Championship in Albany, where a winner is crowned.

The South Side High School Mock Trial Club was started in 2019. In its first year, the club did not compete; they prepared for future seasons by learning the system. After completing two years online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 served as the club’s first chance to compete in person.