Mock Trial Team Competes at First Two Trials of the School Year

by Talia Herbst, SSLI ‘25

Last night, the Mock Trial plaintiff side succeeded in their case against Baldwin High School. Additionally, last week, the defense side also secured a win against Bethpage High School. These wins have advanced the team to move on to Round II, which will take place when we return from February break.

The case this year is about defamation. The defendant, Sandy Townes, is a senior in high school who is being sued by Dr. Leyton Manns, the former superintendent of his school district. Dr. Manns got rid of the funding for the computer science club in school, and Sandy Townes was the president of the club. During this time period, Dr. Manns was in a race running for state senator of New York. While running, awful videos were published targeting him for a downfall. Dr. Manns believes Sandy Townes made these videos, accused him of doing so, and is now suing him.

Senior and Paw Print Now editor Ellie Strachan acted as a lawyer and presented the opening statement in the trial. Strachan felt that the most challenging part of the trial was objecting to the other team. She explained, “You have to think on your feet and realize in a second that the question they are asking can be objected to. Once you [object], you often have to prove why the question should not be allowed, which leads to a lot of back and forth.” Strachan finds objections to be “fun but stressful.”

The attorneys did an amazing job at the trial yesterday. (S. Herbst)

Senior and Paw Print Now editor Carly Smith was Dr. Leyton Manns’ lawyer. She cross-examined Sandy Townes. Smith felt the team did a “great job.” She shared, “Our witnesses were strong, all of the lawyers had great moments, and the judge gave us nice comments.”

Ms. DeLaire, the advisor of Mock Trial, agreed: “I thought our team did a great job against a challenging opponent.” Delaire described the judge as “very nice and encouraging.” Delaire added, “He had many compliments for our students and a lot of helpful suggestions for us to keep in mind in the future.”

Rebecca Bazini, a junior who is new to Mock Trial, stated, “I had such an amazing experience, and it was so cool to be part of what felt like a real trial. I’m so excited for the next one.”

Delaire concluded, “I am so thrilled with our team's performance this season and look forward to seeing what we can do in the next round!”

Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org