Thursday night, November 14, 2024, our MOCK TRIAL Prosecution competed in a playoff round, hoping to win a birth in the Top 16, and THEY DID.

HERE IS A RECAP OF THE EVENING FROM THE COACHES --

"We are exhausted from the stress of battle, the late return and the joy of winning.

The competition began with senior Chloe Zhuo arguing that Dep Kim did not violate the defendant’s 5th amendment rights. Chloe is FLAWLESS! She stands away from the podium so those scoring her can see that she uses no notes. She never reads, she knows every case, every part of her argument by heart. The judge is encouraged to interrupt the pre-trial attorneys while they give their arguments. Last night the judge waited until both pre-trial attorneys had made their arguments then had them stand side by side and asked each one several questions. The opponent struggled. Chloe referred to case precedent, argued why certain cases apply and others do not, without a pause, an “um,” a “like,” or notes. It almost seemed unfair for her opponent.

Then, after the judge ruled in favor of the Prosecution for the Pre-trial motion, explaining that she based her decision solely on the arguments presented to her in court!!!, Amaris Yang gave a perfect, memorized opening statement.

From there it was amazing attorney performances by Amaris, Rebecca Yeung and Samantha Lu.
But the real fireworks came from our witnesses. Neval Balik, the victim of a kidnapping, was the most believable witness ever. I almost walked up and gave her a hug for having overcome such a terrifying ordeal, that’s how believable she was. Then, sophomore Aditi Chawla testified as Deputy Riley Kim, the lead investigator for the case. “Yes, mam” has never been uttered in a more cope-like manner. At the end of the competition the attorney coach for the other team specifically congratulated me on Aditi’s performance. He was spellbound by it. Next Audrey Chang testified as the forensic expert. She had to learn the ins and outs of doxylamine, ligature marks and how to analyze tire tracks. She handled it and several items of evidence like a pro. Finally, the town journalist, played by Sabrina Wu testified. Sabrina sells her part as the steadfast, unbiased conveyor of town news, with a healthy dose of good old fashioned Mayberry sincerity…sincerely!

Finally, Samantha Lu gave the closing argument. Such poise, so convincing. It’s no wonder the other team named her MVP, IN BOTH ROUND 1 and LAST NIGHT!!

If you all could watch how these Brahmas carry themselves in the courthouse in the court room and against their opponents. Win or lose, they have such great sportsmanship and professional decorum. It goes along with a healthy display of confidence and exceptional performance skills."

Sincerely,
Coaches Latitia Thomas & Margaret Ku