Mock Trial Team

New Jersey State Co-Champions

2020

Second Place, State Champions

2022

Central Jersey Champions

2020,2022

Burlington County Champions

2016,2020,2022,2023

Division "A" - First Place

2017,2018,2021

Burlington County Semi-finalists

2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015

In October of 2022 and 2023 the Scotties Mock Trial team previewed the new case along with Mendham HS at the New Jersey Law Center in front of 100+ teachers and lawyers. Congrats!

The Mock Trial Team is a beneficial extracurricular activity for the students of Bordentown Regional High School for the following reasons:

The Mock Trial competition is an annual nation–wide event and is sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Association with over 200 schools competing annually.
More than 130,000 students have participated in this competition in New Jersey since 1982.
Preparation begins in early November and the actual competition is held in early Spring.
The Mock Trial competition will take place at the Mt. Holly Courthouse.
Mock Trial provides a concrete, interactive learning experience which cannot be obtained solely through textbooks or a typical classroom experience.
Mock Trial provides students with the opportunity to learn how disputes are resolved through our system of justice.
Mock Trial helps to develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, role-playing, communication, reading comprehension, team effort and competition.
Topics of past Mock Trials tackled relevant and vital issues such as hate crimes, negligence, fraternity hazing, adoption, drunk driving, battered woman syndrome, sexual harassment, texting and driving, and freedom of the press.
Many local newspapers cover Mock Trial contests throughout the state enhancing the academic reputations of the participating schools.

**BRHS students that have competed for the Mock Trial have graduated or been accepted at the following colleges: Princeton, Harvard, Oxford, Penn, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Barnard, NYU, Vanderbilt, Boston University, George Washington, Penn State, Wake Forest, UNC - Chapel Hill, Notre Dame, Delaware, TCNJ, Rutgers, Ursinus, RPI, Seton Hall, Lafayette, Northeastern, Alabama, Stevens Institute of Technology, Drexel, American, Northwestern, Rochester, University of Florida, Temple, Georgia Tech, UMiami, RCBC and many more including law school and medical school.**

Student Testimonials

Mock Trial was an experience that taught me tangible skills which I continue to hold at my disposal. In my trial preparation I learned how to frame an argument and then to direct a witness exactly to my specifications without leading them or disrupting a natural flow of testimony. I learned how to synthesize an entire court case's evidence while emphasizing the foundation of my argument beyond reasonable doubt, and I did all of this while improving my mastery of public speaking. Most of the skills I acquired seamlessly translated to my writing process and my ability to debate in an ethics course. In truth, part of the appeal was knowing that in the courtroom I could be ruthless on cross-examination and act out a theatrical scene worthy of courtroom television. Perhaps the theatre and tangible skill-set explain why it has been hard for me to leave Mock Trial behind. One reason I return to my high school is to judge Mock Trial scrimmages and I think that says a lot of what the program can teach you.

Casey Boyles

Bordentown Regional High School, '07

Princeton University, '11

For me, mock trial was much more than an activity; it was a challenge to grow as a person. Some of my most prized skills are ones that I’ve learned from being an attorney in mock trial. The arduous preparation nurtured my ability to compile facts, organize evidence, collaborate with peers who have unique ideas, unify people in a coherent plan, and manage time and resources efficiently. Presenting my case in competition tried my poise, diction, quick thinking, and procedural knowledge. Overall, I am a more confident person for having done mock trial, and I have learned how to communicate with people respectfully and successfully.

Austin Tamutus

Bordentown Regional High School, '11

Rutgers University, '15

Mock Trial Try-Outs:

The BRHS Mock Trial team will not have try-outs for this year because we already have a full roster returning. Students looking for a similar activity might be interested in Model UN/Congress in the spring.

In the future, every student trying out will play the same character and be asked the same questions for both direct and cross. Try-outs will occur during the periods 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the fall of 2022. They will all take approximately 15 minutes.

For more information on the case you can check out njsbf.org

Direct Examination:

Demeanor is appropriate for witness being portrayed.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of the facts.
Convincingly and credibly portrays character throughout testimony, without relying on notes.
Shows emotion appropriate to the role.
Effectively responds to questions without inventing material facts.
Demonstrates confidence and speaks sufficiently loudly and clearly to be heard and understood.

Cross Examination:

Convincingly and credibly portrays character throughout testimony, without relying on notes.
Able to field questions with confidence and poise.
Does not become flustered or uncertain when responding to unanticipated or leading questions.
Employs invention but only appropriately.
Demonstrates confidence and speaks sufficiently loudly and clearly to be heard and understood; Does not give in to opposing counsel on tough questions.