March, 2006

Duanesburg High School's Mock Trial team competes with other student teams from throughout Schenectady County. Students try their case before a judge or an attorney in the Schenectady County Courthouse.

By sixth grade April Pettit had decided what she wanted to do with her life. “I knew then that I wanted to be a criminal trial attorney,” Pettit said.

The high school senior is getting plenty of experience in her role as defense attorney for Duanesburg High School’s Mock Trial team.

The seven Duanesburg High School teammates, most of who are currently enrolled in business law class or took it last year, have been practicing and competing against other Schenectady County students from Mohonasen, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, Scotia-Glenville, Niskayuna, and a home-schooled team. 

“Participating in Mock Trial builds confidence and helps you develop good people skills,” said Catie Murphy who first became interested in the Mock Trial team through business law class.

Zach Siegel said the experience also introduces students to public speaking and it’s an opportunity to meet students from other schools.
Amanda Schaible is the only student on the team who has not studied business law and has no interest in jurisprudence. “I had friends who were on the team last year and talked about how much fun it was,” she said.

Each year, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) creates a hypothetical criminal case for the statewide Mock Trial program. Students receive packets complete with rules, stipulated facts, affidavits and depositions from witnesses. 

“We are bound by the materials given,” said Sean Tracy, who plays the role of district attorney and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of studying law in college. “Students aren’t allowed to make anything up. If we do, we’re disqualified from competing.”

Each week, Mock Trial teams face off in Schenectady County Court before a real judge or lawyer. Current business law teacher and Mock Trial adviser Daina Rossi videotapes the team’s practices so students can review their performance and make adjustments before competition.

Of the teams Duanesburg faces, Mock Trial students agree their toughest competition is the home school and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons teams, although Pettit thinks both are beatable. If the Duanesburg students secure enough points, they could move on to the regional and state tournaments, which is exactly where Pettit and her teammates are aiming to find themselves. 

“I’m confident – not cocky – that our team will make it to the state level this year,” she said.

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