I spent the better part of my Monday and Tuesday of this week photographing the Idaho State Mock Trial Competition. The Idaho Law Foundation’s Mock Trial Program is an amazing educational opportunity for students across the state of Idaho to learn the legal procedures of a trial. According to the Idaho Law Foundation, “the Mock Trial offers students an opportunity to experience first-hand the drama and excitement of a courtroom proceeding. It also gives them a chance to sharpen their analytical and communication skills while learning about the law and the legal system.” I can tell you right now first hand that this program had some of the most well spoken, theatrical and intelligent high school students that I have ever come across.
Monday’s quarter final competition hosted twelve Idaho teams at the state of the art Ada County Courthouse. With twelve different teams competing all at once I was only able to get a taste of each teams style.
Tuesday was the semi finals held in the Idaho Federal Courthouse located on Fort Street. Of the four remaining teams, there were only two representative schools. St. Ambrose’s and Logos’ junior varsity and varsity teams both made it to this stage. The junior varsity and varsity teams went head to head leaving only one representative team from each school to go on to the finals. In a bit of an upset, the St. Ambrose junior varsity team beat out their varsity team.
Later that afternoon the remaining teams made their way to the Idaho Supreme Courthouse on State Street for the finals. The best of the best went head to head amidst a courtroom overflowing with proud supporting friends and families. Both came to the table with poise and conviction. The witnesses answered questions carefully and presented testimonials with deep emotion while the attorneys spoke with confidence, answered objections with foundational causes and gave a relative desire to side in their favor. I was blown away at everyone’s preparedness. In the end there could only be one winner. Logos came in first, narrowly edging out St. Ambrose with a split decision to take another state title. Logos will go on to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Competition against the top schools of their respected states May 6-10. Best of luck to the team. As an Idahoan, I am truly proud to send Logos as representatives of our state!
Special thanks to Carey Shoufler and Ashley McDermott for getting me onboard for this event. I had a great time!
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