The City High mock trial team is back and determined to make it to State.

The young group, led by Jason Schumann and Chip Hardesty, is in its fifth year, and has never reached the state competition.

“They’re super committed to [mock trial], in a way that is probably unhealthy,” Schumann said.

The case summary this year states, “Detective Wayne encountered Ozzie Cobblepot, a repeat criminal offender and suspected drug dealer. Wayne thwarted Cobblepot’s attempt to rob a bank, but ultimately Cobblepot escaped arrest. The following evening, Ozzie Cobblepot was shot and killed in the alley of a local bar.”

Students will work together to analyze the case from both sides. Team members can participate in the case as either witnesses or lawyers.

Robins Mock Trial is City’s main competition. The group is made up of of home schooled and Xavier High School students from Cedar Rapids. They have won State six times in the last 14 years.

“Ultimately our goal is to beat the best, so if we want to make it to State, we have to be as prepared as they are,” Schumann said.

Schumann is focusing on the team’s overall preparation, which he believes to be the key to success in mock trial.

“What’s critical is the amount of time you put into it,” Schumann said. “[This year] there’s a greater willingness and a greater desire to take it to the next level and put in the time and commitment necessary in order to be more successful.”

Both Schumann and unofficial team leader Riley Lewers ‘16 agree that preparation is the first priority.

“The biggest thing is putting in the work,” Lewers said. “If you don’t put in the work, you’re not going to make it; it doesn’t matter how enthusiastic you are.”

In an effort to send team members to competition as prepared as possible, Schumann’s wife, Lisa Williams, a practicing attorney in Cedar Rapids, plans to be more involved this year. Additionally, Schumann plans to devote a majority of practice time to working through evidentiary problems, which are defined as issues with evidence both sides may demonstrate in court. The most pressing issue for the team will be evidentiary problems, so students must be able to handle objections.

“Knowing how to object and how to respond when the other team makes objections is going to be the biggest area that we’re going to have to improve upon,” Schumann said.

In addition to practicing how to deal with objections while keeping their cool, students will also be rehearsing what they plan to present in competition.

“We’re gonna try not to say [things like] ‘um’ and ‘like’ a lot,” Schumann said.

While making sure team members are well-versed in the details of the case is important,  courtroom etiquette is also taken seriously.

“It’s very formal at the competition,” Meyer said. “You have to stand up whenever you talk to the judge. There are some of these people from religious schools that ask if they can have permission to move. You’ve got to know your etiquette because that’s part of what they grade you on,” he said. ”You have to be top notch.”

Schumann is making a special effort to properly inform students of the specific rules this year, specifically the rule stating that team members aren’t allowed to consult coaches during trials. Last year Schumann was accused of an ethics violation by the opposing team because a member of City’s team, oblivious to the rule, talked to Schumann in the courtroom. Schumann recalls that event as, “the worst thing that happened last year.”

In addition to ensuring students are aware of the rules, Schumann plans to take advantage of every minute during practices. Students at City High devote their Wednesdays and Fridays to preparing with the team for the upcoming regional competition, which takes place in early March. Because of the short December-to-March season, even the busiest students can find time to participate.

“If you want to do debate but it’s too much work, then you should do mock trial,” Lewers said. “It’s really useful if you want to be a lawyer, and even if you don’t, because it helps you gain confidence when you speak in front of people.”

Lewers believes mock trial teaches valuable skills, including public speaking and analytical skills in an environment similar to that of a real world profession. Schumann agrees.

“I know from firsthand experience that some of the things that I learned when I did mock trial in high school I actually applied and used in law school and in the actual practice of law,” he said. “It exposes you to what it would be like to be an attorney and to have that particular job.”

While mock trial has many practical benefits, the club is also about meeting people and enjoying the process.

“It’s sort of like debate, except for social people,” Meyer said.

Lewers also enjoys the social aspect of mock trial.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends through mock trial,” Lewers said. “It’s a really fun atmosphere and everyone’s really open.”

Schumann also enjoys working with the students.

“The students we have are super-talented,” Schumann said.

Through the students’ hard work, focus, and diligence Schumann has confidence his teams will reach their goal.

“I have no doubt that we have the talent on both teams to potentially make it to State,” Schumann said.