On February 4th and February 11th Mrs. Crusco's Mock Trial Team participated in the New York State Mock Trial Tournament and went to the Nassau County Supreme Court to Litigate a Civil case.
The New York State Mock Trial Tournament is an educational program, co-sponsored by The New York Bar Foundation, whereby high school students have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures. Thousands of students participate each year. Objectives of the tournament are to: teach students ethics, civility and professionalism; further students' understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; improve proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; heighten appreciation for academic studies and stimulate interest in law-related careers.
The Division Avenue High School defense team made up of attorneys, Justin Hansen, Farza Tajammul and Izhaine Troche together with witnesses for the defense, Sammi Casamassino, Chelsea Caccamo and Camila Ascencio went to trial against plaintiff team North Shore Schools on February 4th. The attorneys for the plaintiff Michael Freeman, Christina Lownie and Sara Pedroza, together with witness for the plaintiff Kerry Chavez, Yafa Daniel , Nick Weinert and court bailiff Nick Cody, went to trial against defense team Floral Park
on February 11th.
Each team worked very closely with attorney mentors James P. Connors Member of Firm, CATALANO GALLARDO & PETROPOULOS, LLP, and Peter Crusco Executive Assistant District Attorney for Queens County. Attorney mentors assisted students with the development of opening and closing statements, and direct and cross examination questions. Team attorneys learned how to prep their witnesses for trial and student witnesses had to have a complete understanding and knowledge of their roles for trial.
All Mock Trial team students had an authentic experience of litigating a case in an actual courtroom with an actual judge. Students had a memorable experience and gained a better understanding of the legal system and process.