The Commack Mock Trial team makes Commack history by winning the 50th annual Northport Law Day and, for the first time ever, making it to the final four teams left in their competition in association with the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA).
The Commack Mock Trial team has many members that dedicate lots of time, work, and effort to make their team flourish. These students spend around 2 to 3 hours, twice a week, at club meetings, as well as outside preparations.
“I would spend around 6 hours a week on a mock trial counting our meetings twice a week and some of my own time,” said senior and co-president Morgan V., via GroupMe
The mock trial team competed in multiple competitions this year, including the NYSBA competitions, Moot Court hosted by Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, and the 50th Annual Northport Law Day. Their team has made Commack History, making it to the final four during the NYSBA competition. In the past they’ve made it close, but this year is the furthest they’ve gotten.
“This year was the closest we’ve ever come[…]years and years ago, when I first started, we made it to the final 8-the elite 8 [of the NYSBA competitions], but only one other time,” said adviser Dr. Sandra Braun.
The mock trial team also won the 50th Annual Northport Law Day at the end of their season.
“The entire team was so supportive and helpful during the competition season and I’m so happy we ended the season winning by Law Day because of all our hard work!,” said Morgan V.
The mock trial team puts in a lot of hard work. They have a long process in order to perfect their performance in competitions.
“Every time we get a case, we have to go through all of the information, summaries, affidavits, all the evidence, and depending on your role, like for instance, if you were a witness, you would prepare your own affidavit and prepare all the information and answers that you need to say, and for a lawyer, you need to prepare any questions that you’re going to ask both side, and if you’re doing any opening or closing statements,” said senior Matt C.
With all the preparations made, and all the time they spend together, they are not only a club, they are a family.
“Everyone has differences, yet we’re all one big family when we’re together,” said Braun.◼️
