High schoolers take the witness stand and prosecutor’s table at mock trial

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — Two trials were held this morning in Jefferson County Juvenile Court…but no decisions were reached and no practicing attorneys took part.

That’s because it was the 2024 Mock Trial held by the county Bar Association, where aspiring lawyers from two high schools see what it’s like to step up to the bench.

Steubenville High School took the prosecution side and Jefferson County Vocational School took the defense in arguing a fictional fraud case before three real-life judges.

Their persuasiveness, composure and even their eye contact were put under the microscope as they took the podium.

“I think my favorite part was the cross [examination]. I didn’t want to get too aggressive, but I do like questioning people, kind of just grilling them.”

Hannah Summers, JVS student and defense attorney in mock trial

“Everything about this is good. And more often than not, what we see at trial is not good. You know, no one’s in the court system for a pleasant reason. And this is always a good day. And I try to make a point of talking to all the students and just encourage them.”

Judge John Mascio, Steubenville Municipal Court

All the witnesses had to memorize their character’s personality and motivation, and answer questions from each side in real time.

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