Rebecca Pollock was nervous on the witness stand. The grade 11 Yorkton Regional High School student found herself accused of drinking and driving at a mock trial. While the case was fictional, Pollock still experienced the tension of a real-life defendant.
“It was actually really fun, but also nerve-wracking when you got cross-examined,” she said. “You don’t really know what to expect...but you can take a minute to think what you’re going to say.”
Pollock was part of one of two YRHS teams that competed in the annual Mock Trial Competition in Saskatoon at the Queen’s Bench Court House on Apr. 14.
High school teams from Regina, Prince Albert, and Melville also entered the competition.
Pollock’s group (team two) scored big, winning the coveted McKercher Cup. The award is typically presented to the team that best presents their case over the day-long competition.
Judge Patrick Reis, who serves on the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, acted as one of four critics in the mock trial. They studied and graded the students’ performances as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and other positions.
They ultimately decided the McKercher Cup winner.
“It was very difficult to choose the best team,” he said. “We were impressed by the caliber of their work.”
Reis said the judges chose YRHS team two for their strong individual performances and readiness.
“You could tell they were well-prepared and confident,” he said.
Pollock said the victory was exhilarating for her team.
“It was pretty cool to hear our names get called like that,” she said.
Mya Desmarais, grade 11, competed with YRHS team two. She won the Best Prosecutor award for her work during the mock trial.
“I was kind of shocked, because I only [served] on the prosecution once the entire tournament, but I kind of rocked it that round,” she said. “To get recognized [for it] felt awesome.”
Desmarais, Rebecca, and the rest of their team overcame trial jitters on their way to competition glory.
“For me and most of the lawyers on the team, the biggest issue we struggled with was nerves,” Desmarais said. “You’re standing in a courtroom full of people.
“You’re pretty nervous that you’re going to mess up.”
Desmarais and Pollock both plan to represent YRHS at next year’s mock trial competition.
“I had a lot of fun,” Pollock said.
The mock trial is held in unison with Law Day, which, since 1983, celebrates the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Law Day and the competition promote awareness of Canadians’ legal rights and obligations.
Patrick Reis hopes the mock trial inspired interest in the legal system for the audience and especially the students.
“The law...is a very rewarding career,” he said. “Kids should be encouraged to work hard.”
