By David You ‘19, Staff Writer

As of 2017, Newark Academy’s Mock Trial team has been the Essex County Mock Trial Champion for seven years straight. Recently, Mock Trial has seen continued success under the direction of Mr. Hawk as well as lead attorneys Will Hayward ‘18 and Amanda Cohen ‘18. Most importantly, it would be impossible to appreciate their victories without examining the immense dedication and commitment each member puts into the club.

Mock Trial members spend nine hours each week preparing for their competitions against other Essex County high schools. As a result, the members must give up many afterschool activities in the fall and winter in order to commit their time to the club. Attorneys are also barred from leading any other major clubs. As a witness on the Mock Trial team, Ethan Magistro ‘19 has spent a significant amount of time working on this year’s case: “Mock Trial has pretty much redefined my schedule as well as the way I think. The massive amount of knowledge one gains from participating in the club is something which cannot be found elsewhere, and seems to not leave your mind even outside of the courthouse.”

Mock Trial consists of five members for the prosecution and five members for the defense. Each individual plays a crucial role of trying to persuade the judges to support their claims over the other side’s. After each side first delivers an opening statement, the prosecutor begins a direct examination of a friendly witness. Then, the defense attorney begins the cross-examination period to uncover flaws in the witness’s arguments and facts. Will Hayward ‘18 stated, “Last year I was a junior attorney under Asia Moore, and this year I am a senior attorney, which means I share the responsibility of club leadership with the other senior attorney, Amanda Cohen ‘18.”

Furthermore, Mock Trial is an incredible opportunity for students to learn about court and prepares them for future careers in law. As Ethan specifies, “Mock Trial is important because it helps build an understanding of our nation’s law system, something which each and every citizen should have some understanding of. The American law system is the backbone of our country, and if you know how to wield the knowledge, you can make it far in life.” In addition, members of the club have the chance to expand their personal potential. Amanda explains, “Mock trial is important because it teaches you so many important life skills, while also being a fun recreational activity. I personally feel that being a confident public speaker and having good social skills is one of the most important qualities.” As the head of the Mock Trial club, Mr. Hawk spends a significant amount of his time helping and preparing his team for victory, but he enjoys every moment of it: “Mock Trial is a tremendously creative, complex activity that involves logical thinking, puzzle solving, legal writing, rhetoric, acting, and videography, to name just a few things.”

Most importantly, Mock Trial bridges the gap between grades and creates a special bond between team members as they represent Newark Academy across their cases each year. “I have spent so much time with the other members of the club that I feel I’ve known them for most of my life. The winning of a trial and the bus ride back to NA afterwards perfectly encapsulates this feeling of friendship and teamwork,” Ethan describes. This special relationship is felt throughout all members. “Joining Mock Trial was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Newark Academy. Being apart of this club is an honor, and I have learned so much from my peers and the teachers who help us. I feel more confident as a public speaker, and know how to think on [my] feet, “ Amanda explains. As Will put it, “Our team is composed of driven, talented students who have found a passion and achieved success. This is classic NA stuff.”

Mock Trial hopes to continue its success in the regional finals against Mendham High School on February 28. If you are interested in joining Mock Trial, please contact Mr. Hawk at bhawk@newarka.edu.