WEST ORANGE, NJ - The West Orange High School Mock Trial team is heading to the Essex County finals for the first time in school history.

A mock trial is the simulation of an actual trial that would take place in a trial court for a civil or criminal case. The Mock Trial program educates students on the legal system and court processes, and allows them to interact with judges, attorneys and other legal professionals. A 'fact pattern' is used as a script and provides a summary of the details of the case. Each participating school is paired with a trial team including a judge and two attorneys. Mock trials, along with other activities, celebrate National Law Day on May 1.

Launched in 1982, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s annual Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition is an outstanding example of how legal and educational communities come together to provide interactive learning experiences for high school students outside the classroom. The NJSBF’s Mock Trial Committee prepares an original case, and student teams assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses and jurors. The program helps students develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. This year's case is Capella v. Petzicon Products, Inc., which deals with product liability.

The WOHS Mock Trial team will compete on Feb. 13 at the Essex County Historic Courthouse, located at 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Newark beginning at 5:00 pm.

"Our students have been working tirelessly for over four months!" enthused advisor Janine Sullivan.  

Advisors Tony Edelstein, Janine Sullivan, and Will Redden (right rear) with WOHS Mock Trial team