2012 Mock Trial Competition Begins January 24

The public is invited to watch 13 Tulare County high school teams compete in the annual Tulare County Mock Trial Competition beginning January 24. The Mock Trial teams are comprised of 10 to 20 students who take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, court clerks and bailiffs. All teams must make their presentations based on identical hypothetical case materials. Each team, coached by local attorneys and school personnel, present the case for both the prosecution and defense twice during the course of the competition. "The Mock Trial Competition is as exciting to watch as a courtroom drama," says Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. "Our students do an incredible amount of preparation to understand the case law affecting their trial before taking on the roles of attorneys, witnesses and clerks. They do a masterful job of conducting themselves in court. It is an impressive event to watch."

This year's case is entitled People v. Buschell. In it, Ryan Buschell is charged with murder and with violating the California Concealed Carry Statute. The prosecution alleges that Ryan Buschell murdered friend and fellow Wheeler University student, Becca Abeles. The prosecution argues that a disagreement between Ryan and Becca led Becca to produce evidence that Ryan had violated the strict honor code at Wheeler. Exposure of this evidence would jeopardize Ryan's chance of inheriting $20 million.

The defense argues that Ryan and Becca have been friends since childhood, and that Ryan would never harm Becca. The defense argues that they had resolved their disagreement just prior to the homicide. The defense also argues that eyewitness testimony will show that Ryan has an alibi and was not at the campsite where Becca's body was found. The defense further argues that the forensic evidence regarding the knife and fibers is speculative and inconclusive.

All teams will present their cases before actual judges and attorneys, with three attorneys scoring each trial. The first four rounds and the semi-final round will take place in the Tulare County Superior Court (third floor). Open to the public, the trial dates are: January 24, 26 and 31, and February 2 (preliminary rounds); and February 9 (semi-final round). Trials begin each night at 5:00 p.m. The finals will take place at El Diamante Theatre on February 16 at 5:00 p.m. Members of the public, parents, students and teachers are welcome to attend any of the trials.

The teams competing in the 2012 Tulare County Mock Trial Competition are: Dinuba High School, El Diamante High School (Visalia), Exeter High School, Golden West High School (Visalia), Lindsay High School, Mission Oak High School (Tulare), Mt. Whitney High School (Visalia), Orosi High School, Redwood High School - Varsity (Visalia), Redwood High School - Junior Varsity (Visalia), Tulare Union High School, Tulare Western High School, and Woodlake High School. Buchanan High School from Clovis will also participate to create an even-number of teams.

For more information, contact Marsha Ingrao at (559) 651-0680 or marshai@tcoe.org.