The lawyer takes a deep breath. All pieces of evidence have been heard, every rebuttal and claim explored. The timekeeper has ensured fairness in the trial and now the court holds its breath waiting for the judge to make their decision.  

For 25 years in Indiana, mock trial has simulated this experience for hundreds of students every year. A mock trial is a mix of theatrics, real lawyer talks and building unity. 

This year’s mock trial was one of the most important years for Fishers’ High School as the JV team made it the farthest, they have ever been by making it to semifinals where they faced the school’s varsity team.  

“I was really nervous, but I was excited because this means no matter what Fishers made it to the finals,” sophomore Sila Aysin said.

The JV team only lost to the varsity team by one point Afterwards, the varsity team faced Carmel where they won again, solidifying they are going onto state. 

One of the more unique aspects of mock trial is the fact it is held in real courts with real judges listening to the arguments of each team.  

“I don’t know any other program that lets you know or feel or pretend to be a lawyer before you get to be one,” Senior Sarah Tirloni Barreros, team captain of mock trial, said. “Because of this opportunity, it made it so obviously clear to me exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.”   

Mock trial provides students with more than just courtroom experience.  

“It [mock trial] teaches such valuable skills and critical thinking– getting a well-reasoned argument together,” Judge Stacy Ambler said.” proving your point teaches you poise and how to speak in public– how to respond well and when somebody throws you a curveball these are all skills you are going to need in everyday life anyway.”  

Team captain Tirloni Barreros looks to the future with hope.  

“We [mock trial captains] hope that the team next year does amazing things, and we know that we know they will,” Tirloni Barreros said.