On Feb. 9, Mock Trial’s First Competition of the Year

On Tuesday, February 9, the Harriton Mock Trial team competed in their first round of the season, versus Jenkintown.

Throughout the school year, Mock Trial members argue both sides of a mock case against teams from other schools. Coached by Sra. Novack, students play witnesses and lawyers for the defense and plaintiff.

Based off of a real legal case, this year’s case concerns the paralyzation of a young boy during drone flight by Stacey Earhart, an employee of the NHP, a wildlife preserve. The dispute is between NHP and Lilienthal, the company that insured the preserve, over who should pay for the boy’s medical expenses.

Tuesday’s competition featured Harriton’s defense side, arguing for NHP. For the witnesses, Keren Katz played Stacey Earhart; Daseul Kim played Earhart’s boss, Quincy Wright; and Katie Lee played Emory Wagstaff, an expert on drone flight.  The lawyers on the defense side included Anna Fleming, Caroline Bluestein, and Chloe Niu.

Though the team ultimately was defeated in the 2-hour-long trial, they put up a strong defense and created a near tie. The award of best advocate went out to Chloe Niu, and the award of best witness went out to Keren Katz.

The plaintiff team competes in their first round next Tuesday, February 16.