St. Mel Middle School from Woodland Hills won the first-ever California Mock Trial for middle schoolers on April 18. The event was hosted by Teach Democracy, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that provides nonpartisan civic education through interactive programs for youth, at the University of California, LA School of Law.
The second-place winner was American Martyr School from Manhattan Beach, and third place was Judkins Middle School from San Luis Obispo County.
Students portrayed the roles of attorneys, witnesses, clerks and bailiffs to argue about the fictitious murder case People v. Fromholz. Haley Fromholz, a chef and contestant on the reality TV cooking show “Recipe for Success,” is charged with murdering celebrity judge Morgan Sears using poisonous “heartstopper” mushrooms during the filming of the semi-final challenge of the show. Parents, teachers and coaches joined the competitors in the courtroom galleries.
Plaques and medals were awarded to the top teams in addition to an Outstanding Attorney, Outstanding Witness, Outstanding Clerk and Outstanding Bailiff awards presentation. Plaques were also awarded to the first- to third-place courtroom artists and journalists.
Research shows students who participate in mock trials gain civic knowledge and skills key to an informed and engaged citizenry, including the importance of making evidence-based arguments.