Classical mock trial team celebrates success

LYNN – Lynn Classical High School students filled the roles of lawyers and witnesses as well as other courtroom positions throughout the school year as a part of their Mock Trial Team, which made it to the “Sweet Sixteen” level in the Mock Trial State Tournaments.The Massachusetts Mock Trial Program, which is open to all public and private high schools in the state, is a curriculum that promotes the development of fundamental knowledge, sound judgment and critical thinking skills. In Mock Trial, students are placed in a simulated courtroom situation where they assume the roles of lawyers and witnesses in a hypothetical case.”This year’s case was on an investment broker that lost a lot of money for a person,” Mock Trial Team teacher advisor Frank Grealish Jr. said. “You can either be assigned to the plaintiff or the defendant and you go against three other schools in the regular season and then if you win the three trials, which we did, then you win a tie breaker and in our fifth trial it went from 120 trials down to 16 teams.”Grealish said the students learn each courtroom role as they do not know which role they will be filling during the actual mock trials. The Honorable Justice David Kerman of the Massachusetts Northeast Housing Court and his wife, Jura Kerman, who is a lawyer, dedicated three days a week to teaching the students about law and court procedure.”We were really lucky that a local judge, Judge David Kerman, and Mrs. Jura Kerman coached the team,” Grealish said. “They are both good lawyers. Judge Kerman does a lot of seminars for law students and lawyers. These guys are really getting a tremendous education.”He said students worked diligently and behaved professionally.”The kids worked really hard,” Grealish said. “They always dress professionally and the judge taught them a lot about courtroom decorum. When you’re in the courtroom it is how you stand, not using notes, no hands in the pockets, eye contact with the judge – there is a lot for the kids to do and they do it well because they work really hard at it.”Peter Rondeau, team co-captain, said the team did a great job, tried really hard and “brought it to a high level of competition.””I really enjoyed it,” he said. “It made me feel good about myself and it was a really good experience. You get out there on the courtroom floor, you get some adrenaline flowing and you get the questions going and everything starts working out for you. Sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s what makes it interesting and fun. I guess I just like thinking on my feet. It is one of the biggest accomplishments I have ever been a part of on a team.”Pantelis Thomadis played the part of a lawyer.”It is a different style learning and a different way of doing things,” he said. “You have to think on your feet and think of things quickly rather than just learn from a book. It was interesting and a lot of fun. I feel great. It was a lot of work and it was a great accomplishment for the school.”Justin Diamond, who acted as a witness during the Sweet Sixteen level competition, said he learned a lot and was astonished the team made it so far.”It was definitely an accomplishment,” he said. “It was great for everybody on the team and we all did a great job. When everybody participates, studies and works together, we all come together as one and that’s how we made it to the Sweet Sixteen.”