Owensboro recently served as one of three regional hosts for Kentucky’s high school mock trial competition, bringing students from across the state together for a weekend of simulated courtroom proceedings despite weather-related challenges.
The regional tournament was administered by the Kentucky High School Mock Trial Association (KHSMTA), which oversees mock trial programs for high school students statewide.
Mock trial is an academic competition in which teams of students argue a fictional, closed-universe legal case in a simulated courtroom setting. Teams consist of student attorneys and witnesses who deliver opening and closing statements, question witnesses, and make evidentiary objections. Students must learn both sides of the case and perform multiple times during the competition weekend.
“This is the closest simulation to practicing law a person can experience,” said Phillip Page, an Owensboro attorney with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. “The amount of hours these high school students commit to reading the material and studying the law and the rules of evidence prepares them not just for a potential career in law, but in any profession. We need more of these kinds of opportunities.”
Will Mattingly is the vice president of KHSMTA and chair of the case writing committee. He’s the author of the case problems used in Kentucky since the 2021-2022 season.
This year’s case involved a fictional criminal prosecution charging a defendant with complicity to murder. The case incorporates real Kentucky statutes and case law, and students will use the same case again at the state tournament.
“I competed in mock trial when I was in high school, and without it, I would not be a lawyer,” Mattingly said. “I want these students to have the same opportunities I did when I was their age. While mock trial is not related to the day-to-day duties of a district court judge, it is the duty of the bench and bar to help educate the public about the law and to encourage young people to consider law as a career.”
During the Owensboro regional, five trials were held simultaneously across four rounds. Teams were initially paired at random, then “power matched” against teams with similar performance, with rules preventing repeat matchups, same-school matchups, or teams arguing the same side in designated consecutive rounds.
The top four teams advancing from the Owensboro regional were Marion County Silver Team, Montgomery County Red Team, Mercy Academy Blue Team, and Mercy Academy Yellow Team. They will join 14 other teams at the state tournament, where the winner will represent Kentucky at the national competition in May in Des Moines, Iowa. Kentucky last won the national title in 2022.
Judges said they were impressed with the students’ preparation and professionalism.
“As a sitting District Court Judge with 20 years of experience, including extensive trial work, I was truly impressed by the caliber of the students participating in the competition,” said District Court Judge Brian Quattrocchi. “Their preparation was exceptional, and their knowledge of criminal procedure, the rules of evidence, and complex legal issues was remarkable. It was a fantastic experience to serve as a judge, and I applaud each of the students for their professionalism, engagement, and poise.”
Locally, Owensboro Catholic High School has fielded a team for the past two years, while Henderson County has participated for several years.
“The coaches are excited about how well our students performed in just their second year being in the competition,” said Owensboro Catholic Coach Scott Lowe. “Our students prepared well and performed well. We are excited for next year.”
