Mock Trial: The Law Was in Their Favor

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 had to work with was one that states: if one should know something and takes no action, it is considered having known it. Ramaz’s team effectively utilized this law to argue that the homeowner should have known about the electricity being on, could have prevented the incident, and is therefore liable.

Dr. Jucovy, the faculty advisor for the mock trial team, attributes the team’s success to their multitude of meetings in preparation, their dedication and time commitment, and their overall hard work. The team consistently meets two to three times every week, which proved helpful as the time for their first trial approached. Dr. Jucovy feels the team was well prepared, and the newer members performed well. He also mentioned that the most challenging part of the trial itself is for the students to feel comfortable going off-script or improvising. Such an action displays confidence in the student’s knowledge of the case and its laws as well as their ability to eloquently convey their ideas without relying on prewritten text. Romi Chaovat ’24 joined the mock trial team this year and is a starting lawyer on the plaintiff’s side. In her cross-examination in this past trial, her opposing witness made certain remarks that caused her to go off script. She responded with a cross-examination that earned her five out of the five possible points assigned for that category. “It was like she had forgotten she was just a student,” said Dr. Jucovy. Last year, the mock trial team was also successful, as they made it to the city semifinals. “I think Ramaz’s performance in our first trial of the year, which was the team’s first official in-person trial since the beginning of Covid, sets an incredibly strong benchmark and will help guide us on our journey to the championship in Albany and perfection,” says Judah Schizer ’26, an alternate lawyer. Although it is quite early in the season, the team is looking forward to another triumphant year!