My Experience as a Juror for the ISBA LRE Committee’s 2023 Mock Trial Invitational

A three-word summary: WHAT A THRILL!

Of course, I read the entire set of documents for the mock trial case to be ‘tried’ by the many high school student ‘prosecution’ and ‘defense’ teams during the two days in March we all gathered at the University of Illinois’s Public Affairs Center in Springfield. That reading included ‘Information for Jurors/Evaluators’ which was pertinent to my volunteer role as a Juror for the student-led trials. Yet, I simply was not prepared for the intensity, professionalism, and level of talent of the students I witnessed during my jury service.

Partway through my first trial, however, I was taken back to my early legal career as a prosecutor with the Cook County state’s attorney. I fully claimed my role as a Juror, paying attention to examination and ‘cross’ of very credible witnesses by opposing sides—all in roles imagined, prepared, and played by TEENAGERS! Adding to the quality of the mock trials was the demeanor of every judge I saw ‘in action,’ treating the students as if they were lawyers on trial in a real courtroom. Having real life judges participate and act as presiding judges really added an element of sincerity ad authenticity to the tournament. Accordingly, I became fully immersed in my role due to the degree of preparation and credibility of the student teams, down to seemingly minor details on which a verdict of guilty or not guilty might hang. Their superb work made it difficult for me to even render a verdict.

One of the best moments was the opportunity I took at each trial’s conclusion to address the entire group of students in the room—and the family members who were there to support their student lawyers—to praise them, congratulate them, and encourage them to have faith in themselves and pursue their dreams—whatever they may be. It was truly, maybe selfishly, a thrill to be able to offer them immediate feedback, and a joy to know, by their attention and questions thereafter when they stayed to talk with me, that such input reinforced their hard work and, hopefully, will inspire them to have faith in themselves as they progress on whatever pathways they choose.