Local High Schoolers Enjoy Mock Trial


by KRISTEN STEWART Tis winter, scores of teenagers across the Memphis area


gathered, strategizing and analyzing, learning the ins and outs of law and advocacy. Tey were preparing for six nights of fierce battle in the Shelby County High School Mock Trial Competition. Te District 1 competition in Shelby County is the largest


regional high school mock trial tournament in the state of Tennessee, drawing eighteen to twenty-five teams each year. Students compete for a variety of reasons. Margaret Walker,


who served as a witness for Westminster Academy, said, “Mock trial gives me an opportunity to learn about the court system and work as a team with other students at my school but ultimately, I participate because it is a lot of fun and I am able to utilize my acting skills.” Caroline Walker competed for the third year as an attorney.


“Mock trial forces me to think on my feet, act confidently under pressure and analyze a situation from every perspective.


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Te challenging aspects are why I love mock trial, because it pushes my boundaries and gives me a taste of the field I hope to pursue in the future. Te hard work also provides a sense of accomplishment unlike any other, and win or lose, I am always overwhelming proud of the work my team puts forth.” Nicole Bermel Dunlap has a unique perspective on the


High School Mock Trial Competition in Shelby County. Tis year she coordinated the tournament with Mary Wu as a member of the Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors, but she has participated in it on every level from a high school student participant, to a volunteer judge and even as a coach at her alma mater. “As a former high school mock trial participant, I


remember how much this competition meant to me every year,” said Dunlap. “Mock trial ultimately made me realize that I needed to go to law school, and my experiences in mock trial, specifically what I learned about trial techniques, trial strategy, and the rules of evidence, still guide me in everyday litigation. “My experience as a former coach, however, made me


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