Cornell College was the hosting site for a regional mock trial competition Friday, Nov. 15, with 19 teams participating at the event.

That included two teams from Lisbon Middle School coached by Abbe Stensland.

The eighth grade team provided a defense of Hawkins House of Horrors in a case on the accidental death of Will Byers.

The defense attorneys asked questions, raised objections and pleaded their recounting of events to the three judges in the event. Some of the defense’s arguments were that Byers had entered the haunted house possibly inebriated, after signing an affidavit that said no one who consumed alcohol should be present on site.

The three judges from Cornell gave critiques to both teams after the trial, noting that the attorneys should not be afraid to use the “well,” the area between the judges and witnesses to make their testimony more exciting to listen to and drive points home.

Baylor Boots said she signed up for mock trial because she was friends with Ella and Abbe Stensland, and it
sounded like fun. She said the memorization of the facts of the case were definitely hard to do, but she had fun preparing with friends for this.

Gavin Lord said he loved the opportunity to be part of mock trial, because it helped him stretch his acting abilities.

“As well as being part of the one act plays for Lisbon High School this year, this has given me opportunities to be dramatic around my friends,” Lord said.

On the sixth-grade side, Urijah Helmer said his favorite part has been working with the friends he has made on the team.

“I’ve really loved getting to learn something about how trials work,” said Addison Bauer.

“I’ve enjoyed working through some.of the challenges, like learning the scripts,” said Kenley Siggins.

Ryleigh McLaughlin and Hannha Jamison said they’ve enjoyed spending time with friends.

Talia Hartelt said that learning the script for the part she plays as a witness has been a minor but fun challenge.