Students in Grade 8 Experience Mock Trials at North Hills Middle School

In grade 8 at North Hills Middle School, students engaged in a memorable social studies activity: mock trials. In this immersive experience, students became lawyers and witnesses, transforming classrooms into courtrooms. Teachers acted as judges, and students in grades 6 and 7 volunteered as jurors. Teachers Mike Massucci and Laura VanGemert taught students about civil trials, courtroom procedures, and the roles of attorneys and witnesses.

Students selected specific roles, such as lawyers or witnesses, and groups crafted historical fiction stories, developed characters, prepared legal arguments, and created evidence. VanGemert noted, “They have to come up with evidence, and every kid has a different perspective on what evidence would support. They can be creative in making up evidence as long as it’s factual.” 

When the trial day arrived, each side presented opening statements and witness testimonies and engaged in examinations and cross-examinations, complete with objections. Juries listened closely, deliberated, and shared their decisions with the judge. Over three days, more than 15 mock cases were heard.

Students expressed strong emotions over the outcomes. Some celebrated victories, while others were shocked by losses. Tatym Koralewski (grade 8) remarked, “Looking at these topics from different points of view helped us learn them better.” Beyond historical knowledge, Massucci emphasized the personal growth students experienced through public speaking and teamwork.