HARVARD MOCK TRIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRAINING SEMINAR

Transcription

1 HARVARD MOCK TRIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRAINING SEMINAR Dear Students and Coaches, My name is Samantha Groden. As the 2006 Outreach Director of the Harvard Mock Trial Association, I would like to invite you to participate in the first annual Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar. This intensive training program will take place on the Harvard College campus in Cambridge, MA on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, A few weeks prior to the seminar, students will be sent affidavits from a previous college mock trial case. During the training seminar, students will attend a series of workshops concerning specific elements of mock trial, in which they will see practical demonstrations, listen to lectures intended to improve and refine their skills, and receive answers to their individual mock trial questions. Between these workshops, students will split up into breakout sessions, where they will apply the skills they learned in lecture to the college case. At the end of the two day seminar, students will use the college case to compete in a scrimmage judged by Harvard Mock Trial members, allowing them to practice everything they have learned over the course of the seminar, gain some rigorous trial experience prior to competition, and receive constructive criticism from the nationally recognized Harvard Mock Trial team. All workshops, breakout sessions, and scrimmages will take place in classrooms throughout Harvard Yard, in the center of Cambridge s historic Harvard Square. There is no limit to the number of students per high school that may attend the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar. Coaches and advisors are also invited to attend. The fee for this seminar is $100 per student. If four or more students attend from the same team, the student fee is reduced to $75 per student. The fee for coaches and advisors is $50 per person. Although we are unable to provide financial aid this year, our intent is to do so in the future, and we certainly will do all we can to ensure that all students can attend, even if that means helping them find sponsorship. Registration and release forms have been provided with this packet. Students are strongly encouraged to submit these forms by November 10. Any student who sends in these forms after November 10 will be charged a $10 late fee. If you have any questions or concerns about the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your interest in our seminar, and we look forward to seeing you in December. Sincerely, Samantha Groden Outreach Director Harvard Mock Trial harvardmocktrial@gmail.com

2 HISTORY OF HARVARD MOCK TRIAL The Harvard Mock Trial Association was founded in 1996 by Tanya Barnes '00, Lauren Wetzler '00, and Tom Saunders '00. Together, these three enterprising freshmen established a program that was composed of two teams the Red Team and the Blue Team and that was run entirely by students. Today, Harvard Mock Trial has expanded significantly beyond its original twoteam system, but it retains its tradition of being entirely student-run, a practice that makes it fairly unique in the world of collegiate mock trial. While most mock trial teams around the country rely on coaches to train new team members for competition, Harvard Mock Trial remains competitive by building a strong sense of community among its members and by maintaining a process of continual mentoring between upperclassmen and incoming freshmen. Two years after its founding, the Harvard Mock Trial Team enjoyed its first notable success with the case of Griswold vs. United Gauges. The Blue Team placed 1st in the Hartford Regional and, joining with select members of the Red Team, became Harvard's first team to reach the National Championships in Des Moines. There the team exceeded all expectations with a Top 10 finish, placing 6th in their division. Though the team experienced a brief absence from national competition in the years that followed, the team came into its own in the season, beginning a proud tradition of outperforming its old best performance at each new tournament. In the spring of 2003, the team finished 15th in its division at the Des Moines National Championship. In 2004, the team placed 7th in its division. In 2005, Harvard Mock Trial sent two teams to the National Championship for the first time in its history. At the Championship, Team Outrageous finished 8th in its division while Team Courageous placed 3rd. In 2006, Harvard Mock Trial once again sent two teams to the Des Moines National Championship and delivered its strongest performance ever. Team Mafia won its division, earning All-American Recognition for all members of the team more than any other team in the country. Although it eventually lost to the University of Virginia, it did so by one point over three ballots, in the closest Championship Round in AMTA history. Harvard Mock Trial begins its season with its best national standing ever. Out of the 500 plus collegiate mock trial teams in the country, Harvard A is ranked 2nd and Harvard B is ranked 50th. For more information on the Harvard Mock Trial Association and its members, please visit our website at

3 SCHEDULE Note: Classroom locations for all events on the schedule will be given to students upon their arrival. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 8:30-9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 9:00-10:00 a.m. Direct Examinations Workshop Students will be taught how to analyze affidavits for direct points, how to phrase questions, how to structure a direct examination, etc. 10:00-11:00 a.m. Cross Examinations Workshop 11:00 a.m. noon Breakout Session I 12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch Students will be taught to how to analyze affidavits for cross points, how to structure a cross examination, how to respond to direct points, how to handle a stubborn witness, etc. Students will develop direct and cross examination strategies for the college case and begin writing their own directs and crosses. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Witness Character Workshop Students will be given tips on developing character in witnesses, ranging from experts to wacky figures. The workshop will also cover how a witness should interact with the directing attorney and behave when not on the stand. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Witness Cross Examination Workshop 3:30-4:30 p.m. Breakout Session II Students will learn how to be evasive on cross examination, how to use character to weaken cross attacks, how to spin cross points in their favor, etc. Students will develop witness character and witness cross strategies for the college case. 4:30-6:00 p.m. Harvard Mock Trial Association Activities Members of the Harvard Mock Trial Association will offer students the opportunity to participate in various activities, such as a tour of the Harvard campus, taking students to

4 6:00-7:30 p.m. Dinner 7:30-9:30 p.m. Office Hours see Boston sites, and potentially hearing a Harvard admissions officer. Students also may use this period for free time as they wish. Students are encouraged to begin writing direct and cross examinations and to develop witness character for the scrimmage. Members of the Harvard Mock Trial Association will be available to answer questions individually. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 9:00-10:00 a.m. Opening Statements Workshop Students will learn the elements of an opening statement, how to develop themes and case strategy, and oratorical skills. 10:00-11:00 a.m. Closing Statements Workshop 11:00 a.m. noon Breakout Session III 12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00-2:00 p.m. Objections Workshop Students will learn the elements of a closing statement, how to respond to the opposing side in closing, and oratorical skills. Students will brainstorm ideas for opening and closing statements for the college case, including case strategy, themes, organization, etc. While certain specific objections vary between states, there are numerous objections, such as hearsay, that are common to all mock trial. In this workshop, students will learn the meaning of these common objections, as well as when to apply them and how to make a proper objection argument. 2:00-2:30 p.m. Courtroom Demeanor While substance and argument are very important, the courtroom demeanor of a team can influence a judge s decision. In this workshop, students will learn proper attorney and witness decorum for trial.

5 2:30-3:30 p.m. Breakout Session IV 3:30-5:00 p.m. Office Hours 5:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00-8:30 p.m. Scrimmage 8:30-9:30 p.m. Closing Ceremonies Students will create objection strategies and practice making objections in regard to the college case. Students are encouraged to begin outlining opening and closing statements for the scrimmage and to practice their directs and crosses from the day before. Students will be split into teams and, based on their roles in their high school programs, will be assigned roles for the scrimmage. They will then scrimmage another student team and receive feedback from a Harvard Mock Trial Association Member, who will act as the judge.

6 COST LOGISTICS The price for student admission to the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar is $100 per student. For teams that send four or more students, the student fee is reduced to $75 per student. The fee for coaches and advisors who wish to attend is $50 per person. REGISTRATION The registration deadline is November 10, Those students and coaches who register after the registration deadline will be charged a $10 late fee. TIME OF ARRIVAL We recommend that students arrive the night before the seminar, on December 1, HOTELS We have been able to secure reduced rates at the Cambridge Marriott for the nights of Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. The Cambridge Marriott is located at 2 Cambridge Center (Broadway and 3 rd Street) in Cambridge, MA. The cost per student for a hotel room will be $89.50, and we will house two students per room. We will make the hotel arrangements for students and will try to place students from the same school together. Students will pay the hotel fee to the Cambridge Marriott upon arrival. MEALS Harvard is unable to provide complimentary meals with the program. However, upon arrival, students will be provided with a list of restaurants around Harvard Square. We are working on making arrangements with local restaurants to accommodate large groups, with a corresponding reduction in meal costs. AIRFARE For those traveling from far distances to attend our seminar, we realize that airfare may be problematic. Typically, airlines are not willing to offer lower rates due to a low availability of flights and security issues. However, we currently are trying to secure airline deals for students flying out to our seminar, and we will update you as soon as possible with any information about airline deals. In the meantime, you may want to check travel websites for cheaper airfare. For example, the following websites are known to provide cheaper airline deals: orbitz.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, studentuniverse.com, and sidestep.com.

7 COST LOGISTICS The price for student admission to the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar is $100 per student. For teams that send four or more students, the student fee is reduced to $75 per student. The fee for coaches and advisors who wish to attend is $50 per person. REGISTRATION The registration deadline is November 10, Those students and coaches who register after the registration deadline will be charged a $10 late fee. TIME OF ARRIVAL We recommend that students arrive the night before the seminar, on December 1, HOTELS We have been able to secure reduced rates at the Cambridge Marriott for the nights of Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. The Cambridge Marriott is located at 2 Cambridge Center (Broadway and 3 rd Street) in Cambridge, MA. The cost per student for a hotel room will be $89.50, and we will house two students per room. We will make the hotel arrangements for students and will try to place students from the same school together. Students will pay the hotel fee to the Cambridge Marriott upon arrival. MEALS Harvard is unable to provide complimentary meals with the program. However, upon arrival, students will be provided with a list of restaurants around Harvard Square. We are working on making arrangements with local restaurants to accommodate large groups, with a corresponding reduction in meal costs. AIRFARE For those traveling from far distances to attend our seminar, we realize that airfare may be problematic. Typically, airlines are not willing to offer lower rates due to a low availability of flights and security issues. However, we currently are trying to secure airline deals for students flying out to our seminar, and we will update you as soon as possible with any information about airline deals. In the meantime, you may want to check travel websites for cheaper airfare. For example, the following websites are known to provide cheaper airline deals: orbitz.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, studentuniverse.com, and sidestep.com.

8 48 PFORZHEIMER HOUSE MAIL CENTER CAMBRIDGE, MA USA CHAPERONES Harvard will not be providing chaperones. However, members of the Harvard Mock Trial Association will always be present during seminar hours.

9 ALCOHOL POLICY SECURITY RULES Consumption or possession of alcohol will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If any student is found in possession of alcohol, that student will be asked to leave the seminar immediately, regardless of the hour, and their school will be notified. Violators of this policy may be criminally liable. SMOKING POLICY Cigarette smoking is NOT permitted in the Cambridge Marriott or in any Harvard building. DRUG POLICY Drugs are likewise illegal and intolerable. Any student found possessing or using drugs will be required to leave immediately, and the student may be criminally liable. HOTEL COURTESY Individuals will be held responsible for vandalism or any other damage that occurs in their rooms. Rowdiness in the hallways, excessive noise, roughhousing, and throwing objects or displaying phone numbers or other information from hotel windows will not be tolerated. False fire alarms will be dealt with severely. The hotel reserves the right to eject delegates for these or other disruptions to the safety and well-being of other hotel guests. VALUABLES If delegates must bring valuables, they are encouraged to place them in a hotel safe deposit box. The Harvard Mock Trial Association and the Cambridge Marriott are not responsible for belongings left in guest rooms. OTHER RULES These rules are in addition to those established by Federal, Massachusetts, and Boston laws and ordinances, your school s policies, and common sense. Serious infractions will result in dismissal from the seminar of individuals involved.

10 REGISTRATION FORM Your Name: Name of School: I am a: Student Coach/Advisor Gender (for room assignments): M F Address: (optional) Phone: (optional) Please note the following attendance fees for this Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar: -Student: $100 -Coach/Advisor: $50 -Student team rate: $75 Student team rate: If a team is sending four or more students, each student may pay a reduced rate of $75. If you are claiming the student team rate, please list the names of the other students from your team attending the seminar. Include in mailing: Registration Form, Release Form, attendance fee RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO: The Harvard Mock Trial Association Student Organization Center at Hilles, Box #69 59 Shepard Street Cambridge MA 02138

11 RELEASE FORM By signing this student liability release form, each participant agrees to abide by the security rules of the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar. These rules are established for the students' safety and will be strictly enforced. Every student and coach/advisor participating in the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar must sign and return a copy of this form along with their registration information. The release form is due by the registration deadline: November 10, Students must also obtain a signature from a parent or legal guardian. Original signatures (not photocopies) are required on all forms. Students or coaches/advisors without a completed release form on file prior to the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar will not be permitted to participate. I, the undersigned participant from (name of school) hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Harvard Mock Trial Association, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, costs, or obligations including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees and expenses, which may arise out of my traveling to, participating in, and returning from the Harvard Mock Trial High School Training Seminar, but excluding liability for injury, death, or damage caused solely by the negligent or willful acts of the Harvard Mock Trial Association. I realize that I am personally responsible for all charges and damages to my hotel room. I understand that this agreement is enforceable to the fullest ex tent of the law, and that any provisions herein found invalid as a matter of law will be deemed severable from the balance of the agreement. I also declare that I have read, understood, and will adhere to the Security Rules of the Harvard Mock Trial Association, and will adhere to the applicable laws of the Common wealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America. Participant Name (print): Participant Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Name if Participant is a Student (print): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: