Mock Trial Competition Summary

Introduction

• Presiding Judge: Honorable Judge Vasquez
• Event: Mock Trial Competition at Monterey County Superior Court
• Participants: Prosecution and Defense teams with multiple roles including attorneys, witnesses, and court officers

Judge's Opening Remarks

• Judge expressed honor and privilege to preside over the competition
• Encouraged participants to showcase their talents

Prosecution Team Introduction

• Pre-trial attorney: Sophie Cebrano
• Trial attorneys: Ryan Hubings and Zara Kamara
• Witnesses: Nora Wilcox (Clio Schaefer), Phoebe Zyberg (Dylan Mavis), Amanda Wang (Ari Couch), Martin Wong (Billy Share)
• Timekeeper: Michael Butch
• Attorney coach: Mr. Shire

Defense Team Introduction

• Pre-trial motion attorney: Shayla Dutta
• Trial attorneys: Sophia Cho and Emma Brown
• Additional defense team members included witnesses and courtroom officers

Courtroom Rules

• No food or drink allowed; water permitted
• Spectators should leave quietly if necessary
• Presentation time limits enforced
• Bench trial with verdict to be rendered at trial's end

Pre-Trial Argument Summary

Defense Argument by Shayla Dutta

• Alleged violation of Fourth Amendment rights
• Coercion by detective during safe search
• Reference to cases like Schneckloth v. Bustamante and United States v. Griffin

Prosecution Argument by Sophie Cebrano

• Consent was given voluntarily by defendant
• Comparison to cases like US v. Evans and People v. McClure

Judge's Ruling on Pre-Trial Arguments

• Found consent was voluntarily given, no coercion
• Motion from defense denied

Trial Proceedings

Prosecution's Case

1. Billy Share's Testimony
   • Described contentious relationship with Jordan Franks
   • Claimed Franks pushed him and stole his Signet ring
2. Cleo Schaefer's Testimony
   • Observed hostile dynamics between Franks and Share
   • Saw Franks discard something at Blue Diamond Cafe
3. Ari Couch's Expert Testimony
   • Ring once owned by William Shakespeare
   • Estimated value of $170,000
4. Detective Dylan Mavis' Testimony
   • Described investigation and evidence collected
   • Ring found in Franks' costume

Defense's Case

1. Jade Marquez's Expert Testimony
   • Questioned authenticity and value of the ring
   • No concrete evidence linking ring to Shakespeare
2. Ezra Weintraub's Testimony
   • Head of ship's security
   • Cited failure of police to request timely video footage
3. Carter Lucky's Testimony
   • Witnessed altercation but denied seeing battery
4. Jordan Franks' Testimony
   • Denied stealing the ring and claimed to be framed

Closing Arguments

Prosecution's Closing

• Emphasized Franks' motive and opportunity
• Argued Franks had researched the ring's value

Defense's Closing

• Argued Franks was framed by Billy Share
• Highlighted lack of concrete evidence linking Franks to the crime

Verdict

• Judge found Jordan Franks not guilty of all charges

Judge's Remarks

• Praised both teams for their performance
• Encouraged students to continue pursuing legal education
• Recognized court officers and witnesses for their roles

Conclusion

• Mock trial served as an excellent opportunity for students to practice legal skills and advocacy.