Written by Moshe Yosef Kerendian

Mock Trail is a unique opportunity offered to all students at the beginning of the year. Typically in October, one receives the case and the captain gives out the roles in which the student would study. With the guidance from our experienced honor’s history teacher, students can learn how real court functions and improve in many of their skills such as public speaking

My involvement with Mock Trial has only enhanced my skills. As a freshman, I was initially hesitant to join Mock Trail as it would involve a lot of work and make me very anxious. However, with my peers’ support, I could perform confidently under pressure and help my teammates succeed. This experience not only led me to be a lawyer in my Sophomore year but also helped me acquire the important skill of speaking confidently while under pressure. In my Sophomore year, the year in which I was a lawyer, my fellow counsel and I worked diligently to provide an argument proving our client’s innocence. However, our work didn’t feel like work, but rather an enjoyable activity that we both looked forward to experiencing.

My Freshman year was the year in which schools were nearing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in our court case being held online. Although it wasn’t as nerve-racking as in person, it was still gratifying. Fortunately, my sophomore year -this year- was held in person at the Los Angeles Courthouse located downtown. This was an even better experience as students worked even harder to present their case for victory. Not only was this an experience in which I learned to speak confidently under pressure, but it also fostered a sense of unity among participants – achdus. 

Fundamentally, Mock Trial is a unique experience offered to all students and is one I will continue to do till I graduate.