Courtroom Tigers: ESHS Mock Trial Team Roars at State

On Friday, March 22nd, the Excelsior Springs High School’s Mock Trial team headed to St. Charles, Missouri, to compete in state championships. 

For months, Excelsior Springs High School’s team and other teams across the nation have been preparing, practicing, and performing the fictional case of C.W. McCall v. Flynet A.I. Systems Trucking Company. The case revolves around claims of gross negligence stemming from a trucking accident involving an AI vehicle and is chock full of punny characters and real-life law scenarios. 

The competition in mock trials is fierce. Teams alternate between presenting the prosecution and defense sides of the case. Each team must be well-versed in the facts of the case and present their arguments persuasively to a jury of experienced mock trial participants or real-life attorneys.

The first bout of the state competition was at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, with the Prosecution team presenting their case. This included attorneys Brody Hurla, Nick Dunker, and Hailey McDade. Witnesses played by Paige Crowley, Alyssa Clark, and Mitchell Blankenship. The trial lasted four hours and involved many objections, arguments, and lengthy discussions. The second morning of the competition was performed by attorneys Brody Hurla, Mackenzie Cole, and Mya Williams, who took on the role of the defense team. Witnesses were played by Chloe O’Connor, Amelia Harris, and Mitchell Blankenship. 

Attorneys were scored on their ability to deliver opening statements, cross-examinations, direct examinations, and closing arguments. Students playing the parts of witnesses were scored on charisma and believability as well as their presentation and recall of facts, with the jury ultimately deciding the points awarded for each. 

Although they scored very highly, the team did not advance past the state competition. Brody Hurla was nominated as best attorney for both performances, and Mitchell Blankenship was nominated as best witness for both performances. Excelsior Springs alumni and UMKC students Kyra Davidson and Lainey Creason coached the team along with teachers Allison Neumann and Julie Nelson.