Students in The Wheatley School’s Mock Trial and SWS programs recently participated in the 39th annual Robert J. Bernstein SWS Mock Trial Tournament.
In addition to providing students with an opportunity to prepare for the Mock Trial season, this is also a great opportunity to develop communication, planning and collaboration skills for all participants. In a Mock Trial round, students take on very specific roles, including the prosecution, defense and witnesses, and must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the case and witness affidavits, as well as the procedures, motions and objections of a real court room.
Khushboo Balani, a Wheatley School 11th grader, said, “I’m grateful for this memorable experience and the opportunities this trial gave me. Mock Trial has given me the knowledge and skills to stand in front of a room and comfortably speak and support my thoughts with evidence.”
Organized by East Williston’s Mock Trial adviser Justin Portente and SWS faculty moderator Pat Clarke, the event featured four other regional schools, as well as attorneys in the community who volunteered their time to act in the role of mock judges for the tournament.