Mock trial experience exposes students to law field
Judge Bob Batchelor, pictured at left, went over reasons for an attorney to object during a trial with students participating in a mock trial experience. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Katie Leitz enjoyed last year’s mock trial experience so much that she returned for a second stint in the courtroom.
“I liked learning about law and thought it helped prepare me for classes in college since I’m considering political science,” said the Ridgewood High School student.
Leitz is one of several high school students in the county on a mock trial team being coached by Judge Bob Batchelor, Judge Van Blanchard, Jason Given, Coshocton County’s prosecuting attorney and Christie Thornsley, assistant law director for the City of Coshocton and assistant county prosecutor.
The students are given a case, briefs, witness statements and case law and then have to prepare for the mock trial from there. Last year Leitz was on the prosecution side and this year she is getting a different perspective by serving on the defense.
“The trials are like puzzles,” she said. “I like trying to put the pieces together. We also are learning without feeling like we are learning. It’s not forced. It’s interesting.”
Olivia Ringenberg, the homeschooler on the team, isn’t planning a career in law, but has still found the mock trail to be a good learning experience.
“I did it for public speaking experience,” she said. “The people have been nice and I’ve learned a lot about law I didn’t know.”
The group took part in a competition on Jan. 7 in Cincinnati to help them prepare for their district event. Depending on how they place there, they can move on to regionals and then the state competition.
“We started practicing in October so these kids have put a lot of time and effort into this,” Blanchard said. “These kids are the best of the best too. They are bright and motivated.”
Thornsley has enjoyed working with the students.
“I like the whole process, but they seem to get really revved up and into this after we go to Cincinnati,” she said.
Blanchard added that it’s fun to watch the students develop.
“When we first start some of them aren’t certain, but when they get exposed to competition they really rise to the occasion and do a great job.”
Category: Education
