The Trinity County Mock Trial program has been an outstanding opportunity for high school seniors from Trinity High School, Hayfork High School and Southern Trinity High School to participate in an actual trial process and learn about the judicial system as a first-hand experience for over 20 years.  The following report by student Missy Barnes of Trinity High School explains the Trinity County Mock Trial and describes student reactions to the process.  Here is a report from Missey Barnes:

            On February 27^th, students from Trinity High School, Southern Trinity, and Hayfork High School gathered at the Hayfork High School campus for the first step in the 2008 Mock Trial.  The Mock Trial is a staged trial where senior students are assigned actual roles and duties associated with the justice system.  Students are introduced to the Mock Trial scenario and attend meetings and workshops.  The case will be brought before actual Trinity County judges and students will perform the roles of attorneys, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs, court clerks, coroner, and the jury.  The trial will be conducted at the Trinity County Courthouse in Weaverville on April 2, 2008. 

            Jessica Valin, a student from Trinity High said, “It’s a good opportunity for young adults to experience the law.”  Dave Johnson, also a student at Trinity High, commented, “It’s a dandy experience to be able to get involved in the justice system.”  Justin Rose, a student from Southern Trinity High School said, “It’s interesting.”  Taylor Payne from Hayfork High School did not particularly like the events up to that point. 

            Mr. Payne’s comments aside, the students involved are all quite excited about the event.  Mr. Ferguson, a Trinity High School teacher and Mock Trial advisor to the student attorneys noted, “The Mock Trial represents an excellent training opportunity for students interested in the American legal process, particularly as it pertains to a criminal trial.”