Members of the Mock Trial Team in front of the federal courthouse
in Texarkana.
On March 4, 2013, a crowd of spectators had the opportunity to watch mock trial proceedings of a civil suit at the federal courthouse. The mock trial was performed by Baylor Law School’s American Association for Justice Mock Trial Team.
Local lawyers, high school teachers and an administrator, members of the community, courthouse staff, and 60 high school students were in attendance. The students represented Pleasant Grove High School, Texas High School, Liberty-Eylau High School, and Arkansas High School.
The presiding judge was Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant. A panel of judges and lawyers was at hand to deliver feedback: Chief Justice Josh Morriss, Justice Jack Carter, Justice Bailey Moseley, Judge Donald Dowd, Troy Hornsby, and Jason Horton. The day before the mock trial, the team had the opportunity to perform a practice session before Judge Ralph Burgess.
Texarkana attorney Justin B. Smith, who was in attendance, said the event was very successful. “The courtroom was packed with high school students, the Baylor team performed exceedingly well, and the panel of judges and lawyers gave great feedback.”
Smith encourages other local affiliates to coordinate similar presentations. “High school students can get a lot out of it, and it puts the legal profession and young lawyers in a great light.”