On Friday, April 22nd seven students from the Classical Conversations (CC) Challenge B class in Kinston traveled to the Beaufort County Courthouse in Washington, NC to participate in a Mock Trial Competition versus the Greenville CC Mock Trial team. Led by Kelly Taylor, the Kinston Challenge B director, students were able to participate in rehearsed courtroom trials to learn about the legal system in a competitive manner by assuming various roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendant, witnesses, and even a bailiff.  Founded in 1997 by Leigh Bortins, Classical Conversations uses the mock trial competition to teach skills in research, grammar, writing, rhetoric, public speaking, debate and drama. 

This year’s CC mock trial is a fictional criminal trial charging a real estate developer with reckless homicide in the deaths of two people at a construction site following the collapse of a construction crane during a storm. The prosecution has plenty of evidence, while the defense team can argue a variety of theories: not guilty, sabotage by homeless individuals, or merely a tragic accident where no one is at fault. During the competition, each team completes two full criminal trial proceedings, once as the prosecution and once as the defense. Students are awarded points based on the guidelines established by CC’s mock trial program.

Prior to the mock trial, students spent weeks learning the facts of the case and trying to determine what facts were missing, finding errors in logic and building cases both for and against the defendant. Students diligently learn the material, familiarize themselves with laws, statutes, legal process, courtroom procedure, and rules of evidence. They alone form their strategies and take on the persona of the characters they are representing during the trial.  During this past semester, students also had the opportunity to learn more about the legal process by participating in round table discussions with Attorneys James S. “Jimbo” Perry, Josiah J. Corrigan, Stacey Wiggins, and Law Enforcement Officer Justin Morgan. These experts in the legal and criminal justice field helped the students gain a better understanding of the intricacies of the judicial system and also reflect on the personal aspects of helping to bring justice to communities.

“It is a joy to see the students grow in their knowledge of the legal system, improve their critical thinking skills, and come together to work as a team.” says Kelly Taylor, the Kinston Challenge B director. “I know Mock Trial will be a memory that they treasure forever.”  Students will be competing in their final mock trial on Wednesday, April 27th.

To learn more about CC, visit www.classicalconversations.com and visit the Classical Conversations of Kinston Facebook Page.