The verdict: BHS Mock Trial team tops

PENDLETON — The Baker Mock Trial team competed  at the District Mock Trial competition in Pendleton on Feb. 27 and won all three rounds over La Grande, Hermiston and Vale.

Baker is the only team from Eastern Oregon that will compete at the state competition, held March 12-13 at the Mark Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland.

 Here is the scenario for this year’s criminal case:

“The defendant is Leslie Lane, a rap artist charged with inciting a riot and arson. The fire burned the compound of a religious organization called the New Believers.”

Teams of eight to 18 students argue the case before three-judge panels composed of judges, attorneys and educators or other community representatives. Each team presents the case three times, arguing each side at least once.

Sharon Defrees is the teacher coach.

Also, Judge Greg Baxter, District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff and attorneys Bob Moon and Bob Whitnah have served as trial judges for the team, and the Mock Trial team was able to practice in the courthouse after hours.

Baker’s Mock Trial team is: Annika Yates, Tonita Britt, Darryn McCauley, Jessilyn Sayers, Brianna Lanning, Dana Daniels, Erik Robertson, Chris Chen, Amanda Bailey, H.H. Hingel, Ryan Hickey, Robbie Langrell, Mallory Bailey, Elliott Averett, Sarah Lusk, Leslie Lane, Riley Roberts, Kelly King, Rachel Roach, Mackenzey Mahoney and Evan Perkins.

Defrees said that Mock Trial differs from most school competitions because there is no adjustment for school size.

“Baker will compete against the largest and best-funded schools in the state,” she said.