Students compete in mock trial
On Jan. 17 two mock trial teams from Claymont High School competed in the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education Mock Trial district competition held at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse in New Philadelphia.
Eighteen students assumed the roles of attorneys and witnesses to participate in an unscripted, simulated trial. This year’s case centered around a defamation lawsuit filed by a politician to prevent the spread of a damaging AI-generated video, offering students an opportunity to explore the legal and ethical implications of this emerging technology. The students are arguing both sides of a preliminary injunction hearing.
Each team competed in two trials against opposing schools. They were required to win both trials or the majority of their judges' ballots to advance to the next level of competition.
Claymont Team One will advance to the regional competition Feb. 7. Several students were recognized for their outstanding performances. Senior Malaika Douglas was awarded two Outstanding Witness Awards while junior Cora Dotts and sophomore Braxtyn Myers were honored with Outstanding Attorney Awards.
Other team members include Lloyd Abel, Robin Allen, Kali Allen, Grace Canfield, Heston Cranmer, Aria Dotts, Isla Dotts, Cambria Edwards, Tyler Fewkes, Madison Gladstone, Brianna Greene, Zane Kuczirka, Nevaeh Perez, Selena Spellman and Ashley Yang. The teams are advised by Judge James J. Ong, attorney Jeff Merklin and teacher Heather Dotts.
Ohio Mock Trial is Ohio’s largest high school academic competition and among the largest high school mock trial programs in the nation. The Ohio Mock Trial District Competition is hosted in 22 counties throughout Ohio including Butler, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, Lake, Licking, Lucas, Marion, Medina, Montgomery, Richland, Scioto, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Union, Warren, Washington and Wood.