Mock trial is a scholarly competition where students imitate real courtroom trials. According to advisor Christina Wukich, the students first receive the case materials in October to devise arguments for the upcoming season in January.
“Students spend six to 10 hours a week preparing for the competitions,” Wukich explained.
The hard work for P-T has paid off this season. The team is undefeated in its regular matches and recently won the district championship.
The team headed to the regionals at the Washington County Courthouse on March 14 and scored another victory,
Since the team won at regionals, they will be advancing to the state competition in Harrisburg on March 28.
Freshman Aryavikram Pingali, who serves as a witness on the team, said that “practices are both intense and collaborative as students prepare for competition.”
As a witness, Pingali explained that his role requires him to think swiftly and respond to questioning from both sides during a trial.
Pingali also further elaborated on how, in a competition, he has to answer questions that the lawyers give, one of which is on his side and another who is on the opposing team.
As the team prepares for the state competition, Pingali encourages other students to consider joining the mock trial team in the future.
“It will help you a lot more than you would expect,” he said. “Even if you are not interested in going into a law-related field, mock trial gives you the skills that you need to succeed in anything in life.”