NWSBA Mock Trial

The 14th annual high school NWSBA mock trial competition (Northwest Suburban Bar Association) took place last week at the Rolling Meadows courthouse. Ron Wittmeyer volunteered again this year as a scoring judge. Mr. Wittmeyer said “the students seem to get better every year.” These high school students and their coaches are obviously very dedicated to their mock trial work — and it showed — it was very encouraging to be involved with these bright and talented students. He looks forward to returning next year for another fun weekend.

Unlike many Mock Trial competitions that are held in classrooms or school lunchrooms, the NWSBA Mock Trial competition is held at the Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows, IL. The Honorable William O. Maki, Presiding Judge of the Third Municipal District, is one of twelve Cook County judges who presided over the courtroom competitions.

The trial case for the NWSBA Mock Trial was based on the War of the Worlds radio broadcast and plaintiffs were arguing intentional infliction of emotional distress caused by the panic that ensued. Students received discovery from both the plaintiff and defendant with statements from witnesses, police officers, physicians, and many other people. In addition, students got a taste of jury instructions and how to craft an argument to fit the questions.

Timothy Christian High School took first place at the NWSBA Mock Trial Invitational.