Order in the Court

WCA offered mock trial this year. It was opened to high schoolers and the students who wanted to participate met on Wed mornings before school. They learned about the judicial system and then began prepping for their mock trial. The case they prepped was the same for all high school students across Ohio. Leighton volunteered to be one of the prosecuting attorneys as she is interested in law. Half of the team prepared as the defense side and the other part of team prepared as prosecution. The students then participate in an original, unscripted simulated trial where they take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and bailiffs/timekeepers at the courthouse in front  of voluntary judges. The "compete" against other schools and their total scores determine if they go to regionals after districts. WCA is not going to regionals this year but I was so proud of Leighton. It was such a great learning experience for her. She said "it was invigorating" and had so much fun. This was their first year and mostly freshman so they will continue to learn and grow! 

Afterward the judge gives feedback which was very gentle, encouraging and appropriate on ways they can approve. In Leighton's courtroom, the judge (CEO of Cleveland Bar) found one of her teachers afterwards and said "when Leighton finds her voice she will be really great. She is the type of intern we like to hire." That was really encouraging to her! 

She practiced and prep at home so much so. Her confidence came alot from grabbing an esthetically pleasing portfolio and picking out a department store power suit :) 

watching Ohio State competition of mock trial from last year to prep

WCA team

Leighton in action. She gave the opening statement for the prosecution. 

questioning witnesses (Adam) 

Leighton and her co-council (Ruth was the other prosecuting attorney who did the closing statement) 

Mr Hindell was the teacher sponsor (not pictured are Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs who are lawyers who volunteer) 

The prosecution side listening to their team's defense compete. 

Leighton and Maggie 

In the off season, she has been watching "Law and Order" :)