By Kyle Nguyen, Staff Writer
An academic and competitive club on campus, Mock Trial allows students to participate and simulate an actual trial where students portray the roles of attorneys, witnesses and other court positions such as bailiffs and court clerks. With their upcoming competition this Tuesday, Opening Defense Attorney Ally Lenguyen (’17) describes how the whole process works every year.
“Each year, those in the OC Mock Trial county receive a case packet, which gives us the story or the ‘trial’ that we’re simulating this year,” said Lenguyen. “For example, last year was a case of art theft, and this year it’s judging whether or not the murder of a police officer was justifiable homicide in defense of another or manslaughter.”
When competition season starts, each team will participate in four rounds, their wins and losses determining which teams move onto playoffs. From there, the top teams compete in a sudden 
death elimination trial. The competition itself is held at the Santa Ana Courthouse with an actual judge or attorney overseeing the trial as well as scorers in the jury box in which the teams work to gain the most scorecards or points. Having been in Mock Trial for two years, Lenguyen describes her experience thus far and what the club has to offer.
“My experience in mock trial has honestly been an amazing one,” said Lenguyen. “Mock trial allows you to get involved with the school in a way different from volunteering or being in a sport, you become a part of this family that you spend hours and hours with.”
Mock Trial in itself is a rigorous and fairly prestigious club with a good record, according to Lenguyen, and looks great on college applications. But more than that, the club offers amazing experiences and the opportunity to create friendships that can last a lifetime. Although Mock Trial is a major time commitment and at times will often require hours of work, the experiences gained and memories made are definitely worth it.
For those interested in joining Mock Trial in the future, keep a lookout for announcements regarding tryouts toward the end of the year or talk to Ms. Laframboise.
