After weeks of preparing, grinding, and practicing, on March 28th, the mock trial threw on their business coats and stepped out of the classroom and into the Grenville and William Davis Courthouse to compete in the OJEN competitive regional mock trial.
The case involved a courtroom showdown over whether Mr. Silip, the defendant, should be held responsible for stalking and displaying threatening behaviour against Ms. Amaru, a global influencer, who can’t seem to stop giving mixed signals, according to Mr. Silip.
The team was split into two sides. Representing the Crown were Jaisveen Kassowal, Jagtej Badiwan, Gurleen Dulley, and Neha Roy. The defence included Jeevan Dhindsa, Bhavini Aggrawal, Gurleen Dulley, Saahnvi Kumar and Ariana.
First up was the defense, facing off against Central Peel Secondary School’s Crown team. Gurleen Dulley kicked things off with a captivating opening statement, arguing that Mr. Silip was simply misguided and that Amaru’s actions, like not blocking Jo’s number, failing to report concerns to the authorities, and maintaining contact, were inconsistent with someone who truly felt unsafe, a notion that the Crown had to prove.
Cross-examinations followed. Dhindsa questioned Amaru, but the clock ran down quicker than expected, leaving Aggrawal with little time to cross-examine the second witness, Ngozie, Amaur’s best friend. Still, the team pulled through, thanks to our witness Ariana. Ariana played Mr. Silip, her teary eyes and stuffy nose added a layer of authenticity that swayed the judge’s sympathies. In the end, the defence won the case, proving that solid preparation and some drama classes can make a difference.
The second team to go up was the Crown. The format remained the same, but this time Badiwan opened with the opening statement, and the lawyers from the defence were now being sworn under oath. Unfortunately, despite the gasps and tears brought out by Dhindsa and Aggrawal, the Crown failed to prove that Amaru was genuinely living in fear. Why? Because of the letter. Amaur had sent a love letter to Jo, which made it hard to prove she truly feared for her life.
The closing ceremony came quicker than they imagined, and the winners were announced. Unfortunately, this year the school did not make the top four. However, on the bright side, they did win a raffle, the prize being a book on the Highway Act.
But in all seriousness, while they may not have taken home a trophy, the team agrees that they learned a lot from the experience. Many saw a courtroom for the first time, many shook hands with judges for the first time, and all gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of good sportsmanship.
Thank you to Ms. Johnston for coaching and allowing the North Park Mock Trial team to represent their school at OJEN. They may not have won this year, but they will be back to win it again.
Photo Credits: Ms Johnston
THE NORTH STAR 