By: Richard L. Smith
A sixth-grade mock trial team from Ramapo Ridge Middle School and a fourth-grade team from Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, both in Mahwah, have been recognized among the top teams in New Jersey.
They presented their trials before a judge at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick on May 13.
The sixth-grade team secured first place among all sixth-grade teams, while the fourth-grade team came in second for fourth-grade teams in the Law Fair 2024 Competition for grades three to six, sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Association.
The competition featured 73 entries from 45 schools across the state, with winners invited to present their cases at the law center from May 13-16.
Ramapo Ridge Middle School's sixth-grade students—Sally Ferguson, Marcus Gigante, Neal Jansen, Karina Kapadia, Jaedyn Teicher, and Advait Vyas—won for their case, "The Case of Lacy Smith v. Nick Robin, A Bite of Forbidden Fruit: Apple Pay and Rotten Betrayal," with guidance from advisor Kelly De Bello.
The case involved a dispute where Lacy Smith claimed her ex-boyfriend, Nick Robin, used her bank account information on Apple Pay without her consent.
The fourth-grade team from Joyce Kilmer Elementary, including students Daniel “Isaac” Archibald, Ellie Archibald, Asher Bell, Joseph Fogle, Marisol Hwang, and Miru Kim, with teacher Maureen Schaffner, presented "The Case of the Concerning Catastrophe."
The case revolved around a painter who allegedly broke her arm when chased by a dog at a garage she was painting.
Both teams showcased their trials before a judge at the Law Center, with audiences deliberating and rendering verdicts.
The competition, organized by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, aims to promote understanding of the law and justice system and educate students about their legal rights and responsibilities.
This year, more than 580 students participated.
Students and teachers from New Jersey are invited annually to compete in this free contest, which enhances their appreciation of the judicial system and hones their problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills.
The students wrote detailed scripts, including opening and closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations, and delivered live trials within a 15-minute timeframe.
The competition was a valuable learning experience for the students, enhancing their teamwork and critical thinking skills while providing a glimpse into the legal profession.