Finley Mock Trial Team Wins Two Trials

J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s new mock trial team is off and running. After several weeks of preparation, the young Blue Devil legal eagles competed against Bay Shore and Massapequa at Suffolk Community College.

Teachers Gregory Dieterich and Mary Brandt serve as the Finley mock trial team’s faculty advisor. Don Savatta is a volunteer legal advisor.

“Our prosecution team went up against Bay Shore and our defense team went up against Massapequa,” Ms. Brandt said. “It’s exciting that both of our teams (prosecution and defense) won their matches. Our prosecution team did not win the factual case, but was able to come out with a win by outperforming Bay Shore. We are also very proud that our defense team, not only won the case factually, but also was able to out preform Massapequa and win both areas (factual and performance).”

The Finley team members have been working hard at mastering their roles and case facts. They have been learning the mechanics of a trial along with courtroom etiquette and general legal practices.

“Our prosecution and defense teams both worked super hard and learned a lot through this process,” Ms. Brandt said.

The New York State Bar Assn. Foundation believes the mock trial program “teaches students ethics, civility and professionalism; furthers students’ understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; improves proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; promotes better communication and cooperation among the school community, teachers and students and members of the legal profession, and; heightens appreciation for academic studies and stimulate interest in law-related careers.”

Students learn about the rule of law; rules of evidence; proper courtroom decorum; legal terminology and civic responsibility and attitude. Participation fosters respect for the law and the legal system and an ability to view an issue from differing viewpoints.

Huntington High School’s mock trial team won the Suffolk championship in both 2022 and 2023 and finished second in the county this year.