For months, the North Shore Elementary Mock Trial Clubs at Glenwood Landing, Glen Head, and Sea Cliff Schools diligently prepared for their criminal case, the State of NY v. Robert Spangler. The complex case was about an obsessed baseball dad accused of taking vengeance on the catcher on the other team who injured his son.

Under the direction of the North Shore School-Wide Enrichment Services (SWES), the fifth graders had the opportunity to participate in Mock Trial Club and explore courtroom procedures and trial law in preparation for the Western-Suffolk BOCES Mock Trial Tournament.

Whether assigned to the prosecution or the defense team, participation in the Mock Trial Club requires students to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with one another in exploring legal solutions to the complex case.

The students developed trial strategies, formulated questions for direct examination and cross examination, and drafted opening statements and closing arguments.

The dedicated students worked collaboratively to craft and practice questioning strategies, revised theories, learned and rehearse trial testimony and etiquette (including making and responding to objections).

Congratulations to each of the North Shore Elementary Mock Trial Teams.

Ms. Marcantonio said, “All of our Mock Trial teams in the district beat out older middle school students from across Long Island. Each North Shore team won on the merits of the case as well as the performance category. They demonstrated perseverance, communication skills, and quick-thinking to outperform neighboring districts.”

Special thank you to Judge Agazarian for judging the dress rehearsals. His guidance helped all the Mock trial students grow!

Ms. Marcantonio added, “We are all so proud of them!” Congratulations to all!