Mock trial tournament draws more than 300 to courthouse
1/23/2003
Daily Herald Reports
By Tony Gordon
The Lake County courthouse in Waukegan was the site of more activity this past weekend than it has seen on a Saturday and Sunday for quite some time.
More than 300 college students, coaches and parents filled courtrooms throughout the building for the Northwestern University Mock Trial Invitational Tournament.
Assistant State's Attorney Ari Fisz, who is also a coach of the team at Northwestern University in Evanston, said the tournament attracted 34 trial teams from 20 schools throughout the country.
The purpose of a mock trial is to give students a taste of what it is really like in a courtroom as they portray lawyers and witnesses presenting evidence in cases that are outlined for them in advance.
This past weekend, teams participated in four trials each and were graded on style, presentation, knowledge of the law and other criteria by lawyers and judges who volunteered for the event.
When all the points were added up, Notre Dame University of Notre Dame, Ind., was on top of the heap and court officials are hoping the tourney becomes an annual event here.
"I think it was just great that we were able to host the tournament and hope to see more in the future," Chief Judge Margaret Mullen said. "It is a fascinating way to let young people experience the law in a real setting, and we know how hard they work in preparing to put on their cases