Mock Trial Case & Evidence Released as Blue Devils Prep

Now in its eleventh year of existence, Huntington High School’s mock trial team is kicking off the competitive season with the same goals it always has: win county and state championships.

The mock trial competition is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association Foundation. The initiative seeks to enhance participant’s public speaking skills and inspire some to consider a legal career. Participating schools have a schedule of four regular season matches before the top 16 teams enter the Suffolk tournament. Teams across New York follow a similar path along the way to determining a state champion.

Huntington alum and attorney Xavier Palacios is the team’s volunteer legal advisor. Faculty advisors Suzi Biagi and Bryan Outsen help coordinate the team’s activities and handle important behind the scenes details.

The mock trial courtroom in the School Heritage Museum at the high school serves as the home base for the Blue Devils.

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.

This year’s case is titled “Leyton Manns vs Sandy Townes.” It’s a civil law case involving defamation and libel. The case explores the negative consequences of generative AI.

Here’s an overview of the case and the responsibilities of each side:

Leyton Manns, a former superintendent and decorated county official is suing student Sandy Townes after video footage and audio recordings were released of Manns speaking negatively about students, staff and parents and accepting a bribe by a contractor for the creation of an elementary school, after cutting multiple after school programs, like the computer science club, across the district.

“The plaintiff side of the case will focus on showing that the video and audio recordings were ‘deepfakes,’ created using AI by Sandy Townes, who maliciously created them as a revenge plot after Manns cut all funding to her beloved computer science club, which derailed his entire political campaign and smeared his image in the community,” Mr. Outsen said.

“The defense will focus on showing “that not only is there not enough clear evidence to prove that the video and recording are fake as they say, but there is also no direct, concrete evidence tying Townes to the creation of the so called deepfakes,” added Mr. Outsen.

The Blue Devils have been prepping for the season for many weeks, but it was only recently that they learned of the actual case and evidence, etc.

“The topic is extremely relevant to students this year as it involves not only students, teachers and administrators of a high school, but also highlights the dangers of AI when used for the wrong purposes,” Mr. Outsen said. “You really can’t get any more real world applicable than this. For six of our seniors, who will all star in lead roles as both attorneys and witnesses, this is their last shot at a state championship. They will be accompanied by a very determined and committed group of underclassmen. It is ours for the taking.”

Huntington heads into battle on February 5 when it hosts Half Hollow Hills East in the School Heritage Museum room at Huntington High School.