The Finley mock trial club at Suffolk Community College in Selden.
The Finley mock trial club at Suffolk Community College in Selden.

Finley Wins at Suffolk Mock Trial Tournament

March 24, 2025

The mock trial club at J. Taylor Finley Middle School has been gathering steam throughout the current school year. Students recently had an opportunity to showcase their skills at Western Suffolk BOCES’ 41st annual mock trial tournament at Suffolk Community College in Selden.

Teachers Mary Brandt and Greg Dieterich serve as the Finley faculty advisors. “Our Finley mock trial club continues to prove that middle schoolers can rock the courtroom,” Ms. Brandt said. “When Mr. Dieterich and I launched this club last year were blown away by the student interest and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the enthusiasm our students bring to every meeting.”

Western Suffolk BOCES sent the Finley club a full trial worth of materials and instructions to prepare them for this year’s tournament. “The trial is an adaptation of trials prepared by the New York State Bar Association for the annual high school competition,” according to a program overview. “Each district will prepare both a plaintiff and defense side of the case. A team consists of six plaintiffs and six defense participants with an option for three alternates (maximum team size is 15). Districts may register several teams. Two training sessions are scheduled for teachers.”

“Our dedicated teams have tackled this year’s case with incredible determination,” Ms. Brandt said. “They’ve mastered both prosecution and defense strategies, crafted compelling opening and closing statements and prepared their witnesses for trial. The level of commitment and growth we’ve seen is truly remarkable.”

Last week the Finley courtroom wizards showcased their skills at Suffolk Community College against middle school teams from across Long Island.

“Both of our teams delivered outstanding performances, with our prosecution team bringing home an exciting victory,” Ms. Brandt said. “What makes this program especially valuable is how it prepares students for future opportunities, including the possibility of joining Huntington High School’s renowned mock trial team.”