GW Law's Jacob Burns Moot Court Room opened its doors to two mock trial teams from The Field School, an independent high school 3 miles from GW Law, for two mock trials presided over by GW Law student judges.
The two trials were the culmination of a 2-week intensive class on Crime Scene Investigations where the high school students learned about forensic science by taking part in forensic science labs and mock investigations. The focus of the day trials was on the expert witnesses. As such, the truncated mock trials had opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of the two expert witnesses by the prosecution and defense, and closing arguments. Students in grades 9-12 filled the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Two GW Law students volunteered to serve as Judges.
Before GW Law third-year student James Cowan, who presided over the morning trial, could enter the courtroom, both student teams sat in the Jacob Burns Moot Court Room practicing their arguments. After standing and practicing “yes your honor,” both student teams were ready to state their cases.
In the morning mock trial, People v. Davidson, the defendant was accused of using his walking stick to murder Alex Thompson in a city park near a rally that both the defendant and the victim attended on opposite sides of the rally issue. The prosecution’s expert witness was the medical examiner who testified to the forensic pathology evidence implicating the defendant. The defense’s expert witness was a former medical examiner who is in private practice as a forensics consultant. He testified to the forensic pathology evidence that cast doubt on the defendant’s guilt.
After compelling closing arguments by both sides, Judge Cowan announced the verdict. The defense was victorious. “The defense broke things down in an accessible way and led with a hook,” Judge Cowan said.
GW Law third-year student Andrew Wise presided over the afternoon mock trial, Louisiana v. Rhodes, where the defendant was accused of shooting and killing Marsden Jones, with whom the defendant was in a relationship at one time, and Kember Sullivan, who was in a relationship with Jones at the time of the deaths. The murders took place in Jones’ apartment. The prosecution’s expert witness was the medical examiner who testified to the forensic pathology evidence implicating the defendant. The defense’s expert witness, a lead forensic investigator for the parish where the murder took place, testified to the forensic pathology evidence casting doubt on the defendant’s guilt.
The students' teacher, Christopher Lorrain, said having the finals in a real moot courtroom was a dream come true for the students.