Students practice law in mock trial competition - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Students practice law in mock trial competition

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By Cheryl Lasseter - bio | email
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Aspiring young lawyers got a taste of the real world Saturday during a mock trial competition at the Hinds County Courthouse. 

Twenty teams of high school students, about 200 students in all, practiced playing lawyer and witness, in hopes of impressing panels of judges.

"We create a problem each year," said says Matt Eichelberger, Chairman of the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division. "This year it's the sale of marijuana at school."

The simulation sharpens their legal knowledge, and teaches them to think on their feet.

"I played Bobby Gentry," said says Union High School student David Rushing. "I was the defendant's older cousin. They did a pretty good job of grilling me."

"It's a great experience to learn the laws, to know what you're gonna do," said Kiaa Donald, Raymond High School student. "I want to be a lawyer, but I'm being a witness in this case."

The winning team will go on to the national competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.

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