The Mock Trial Club is a new club at Aliso Niguel that undertakes students through real scenario court trials with fake criminal cases. The presidents, Alanni Rogers (10) and Rachael Ryan (10), founded the club this year and aim to teach other students at ANHS how to use their debating skills along with their knowledge to defend the cases.
Alanni shares, “I noticed that there were not many opportunities for students interested in law. I wanted to make a club where students could learn about the inner workings of the judicial system and trial proceedings and gain debate skills.”
During their meetings, a criminal case is made up by the officers and later discussed within the group. The members of the club are then separated into different teams depending on the specific case they want to defend and present. Each member of the team gets to decide whether they want to take on a role as either an attorney or a witness of the case.
Students are then given individual opportunities to convince the judge whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. In order to win the case, students must use their communication skills to convey the most persuasive arguments to the judge.
The Mock Trial Club requires its students to use analytical thinking to identify and develop logical arguments to win. Students also must have problem solving skills and pay close attention to detail in order to be creative and innovative enough to give the audience a better perspective on why they should trust their argument.
Once the members of the club gain more knowledge and experience, the Mock Trial Club strives to compete against other schools in the near future. They wish to compete at a competition held by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. Individuals must all work hard and gain funds in order to reach their goal of success within their pursuit to compete.
Camila Abarca (10) is a member of the club and says, “I’ve always thought debate was fun and this was the closest I could get to learning more about our legal system. I’m excited for our future meetings and this could perhaps inspire me to go into a certain career path!”
The Mock Trial Club has offered students at Aliso Niguel unprecedented opportunities for them to learn more about the law field while also being able to explore their own interests. Members of the club get to gain new experiences that will help them individually grow and develop their own special abilities.
It is important to offer students multiple opportunities to branch out of their comfort zone to help them reach their full potential for their future. The Mock Trial Club helps set students up for success by guiding them in ways they can gain personal growth and development by challenging themselves throughout a club meeting with students their own age.
Not only do members cultivate new skills, but they also get chances to create strong bonds with other members of the club. Being surrounded with people that are also interested in the same topics is a great way to gain motivation and inspiration to continue pursuing personal goals for the future.
The Mock Trial Club holds meetings every other Tuesday in room 408. Anyone who is willing to challenge themselves and experience a new environment is welcome to join the club.
