The verdict is in - it’s been another successful Mock Trial season for A.C. Reynolds High School.
Jenni Turner’s Criminal Justice classes fielded two teams of students to represent Buncombe County Schools at the Hendersonville Regional Mock Trial Competition earlier this month at the Henderson County Courthouse. Students research a case and portray prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses.
“The best thing about Mock Trial is the real world experience,” said Reilly Rousseau, who received an award for Best Attorney along with classmate Emily Neel. “It also gives us a chance to make connections with local attorneys.”
Reynolds students Olivia Hoots, Astoria Lee, and Mackenzie Wise all received awards for Best Witness. The ability to see a court case from differing viewpoints helps students develop a strategy, no matter what role they’re playing.
"Taking Ms. Turner's Criminal Justice classes really prepared me to compete,” shared Tiffany Maria. “She taught us different 'defenses' attorneys can use, specific lines that have to be met to find someone guilty, and that a plaintiff needs a burden of proof."
Tiffany plans to pursue psychology with a minor in communications, and she hopes this experience will help prepare her for law school someday.
The Criminal Justice class is an A-B Tech course offered at six of the district’s high schools.
“This experience could not be possible without Buncombe County Schools' partnership with A-B Tech through the College and Career Promise program,” said Career Development Coordinator Stephanie Scott-Gaddy, who observed the young legal eagles in action. “All members of both ACR Mock Trial teams are either past, present, or future enrollees of criminal justice courses through A-B Tech.”