This year, the YMCA’s Texas Youth and Government State County Court Mock Trial took place at Riverbend Church. Trials are a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings, according to Lexico. The judicial courts place limitations on the government and protect against extreme government power. Trials defend minorities, of all kinds, from the majority, as well as the rights of those who are unable to defend themselves.
The Trial court case being argued this year is entitled, “It’s all Gucci” Domenico de Sole V. Ann Freedman. Ann Freeman is accused of selling a fake Roshko painting to Domenico de Sole for $8.5 million dollars. Haley Hillhouse, played the role of Ann Freedman for the case “It’s All Gucci” for the First Baptist Christian Academy’s judicial team. She gave a straightforward analysis of mock trials and their many benefits. “The trial is a good learning experience and for every trial, I feel like I can improve and I learn a lot from other teams and the judges.” Johnny Tran, also from First Baptist Christian Academy, filled the role of Plaintiff for the defense of Dominico de Sole. “The trial was really fun and competitive yet at the same time it was a good time for me to show and practice public speaking.” Addison Hobbs from First Baptist Chrisitan Academy enacted Laley Nasik. “Mock Trial has helped me with public speaking because before I was really bad at it. when I first started I would be shaking, but honestly, this has really made me more outgoing and being able to talk in front of people.” As you can tell, mock trials definitely aid delegates in their personal growth and can prepare them for many things that come their way.
The defense team for Domenico De Sole, Jungho Lim, Haley Hillhouse, Addison Hobbs, Johnny Tran, and Jackson Hughes get ready for trial with a strong mindset.
Written by: Alexis Ruiz