Monmouth Regional Mock Trial Team Wins County Championship

The Mock Trial team took the county championships and are headed to state finals.

According to a letter sent to parents of the 10 students on the team from Eugene Melody, mock trial advisor and local attorney, "Students play the role of prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, expert witnesses and fact witnesses in a criminal case involving an alleged bias crime. The task of comprehending the 60-page case is difficult."

Melody, who graduated from MRHS in 1997 and is an attorney with the Little Silver-based firm Martin-Melody, said that over 243 teams participated in the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition last year.

"I find the experience particularly gratifying and I can testify that this program is nearly identical to those found in law schools across the country," Melody wrote in the letter.

Last year the team, which is coached by Monmouth Regional teacher Janice Kroposky, was recognized by the Borough Mayor and Council for their success in advancing to the quarterfinals.

Melody said in his letter, "I played varsity basketball and golf at MRHS and I can attest that the hard work that goes into being a mock trial lawyer is more demanding than any varsity sport I've particiapted in."