Middle school mock trial students tackle case of haunted house death

By Clara Toot, JCSD Communications Specialist

Students participate in a dress rehearsal on Oct. 22

JOHNSTON, Ia. (Nov. 05, 2024) — In a few short weeks, 47 Johnston middle school mock trial students on Teams Purple, Gold, Dragon and Firestorm will take part in their first competition of the season at the Des Moines Regional Competition on Nov. 12, marking many students’ first competition ever.

The Iowa State Bar Association develops the case each year by either writing an original case or finding a case and adapting it for student use. The cases alternate between criminal and civil law each year, giving students opportunities to broaden their law education learning. Students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses as they prepare and present both sides of a hypothetical legal problem.

“I am most excited about getting to compete in a courtroom setting,” Johnston Middle School (JMS) 8th grader Sukhmun Chouhan said. “I have enjoyed learning about the different roles and procedures in a courtroom, as well as overcoming challenges with my team.”

This year’s case, Estate of Will Byers v. Hawkins House of Horrors, is an original civil case involving a haunted house charity, The Hawkins House of Horrors (H3), in the fictional town of Hawkins, Iowa. The haunted house was created by the county to raise money for community projects. When word spread across the region, thousands of attendees traveled to Hawkins for the attraction.

In the midst of all the excitement, the tragic death of Hawkins resident Will Byers causes public outcry. A haunted house volunteer dressed up as a clown chased Byers into Highway 41, the main road that passed through the county. Byers collided with a passing vehicle which ultimately resulted in his death.

Developing critical thinking skills

The courtroom simulation offered through mock trial is designed to introduce students to the legal system. It provides a challenging, academic competition that teaches students the value of teamwork, research and critical thinking skills.

“Mock trial teaches our students soft skills that are difficult to explicitly teach,” said JHS and JMS Extended Learning Program (ELP) teacher Cheryl Smith. “You can’t give students a multiple choice test about how to think critically. Mock trial helps kids think fast on their feet and actively engage with difficult materials.”

In this year’s case, questions that mock trial students must decide include: Was Will Byers maliciously chased into the street? Did Hawkins House of Horrors have bad practices that could have reasonably been prevented? Or was Will Byers irresponsible and did not act as a reasonable person should knowing the rules and policy of the event?

“I find this case very interesting,” said JMS 8th grader Kiaan Jain. “I like how it’s not leaning toward just one side and we don’t know quite what will happen with it.”

Mock trial cases typically include a red herring — they are never cut and dried. Witness statements are often fallible, making it interesting for the students to work out ways to argue in favor of both sides of the case.

In another effort to engage students, John Wheeler, director of the Iowa State Bar Association Center for Law & Civic Education and case writer, incorporates popular characters and themes into each case. For example, this year’s case includes characters and actors from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things.

“I am excited for many things this mock trial season but one thing I believe I am the most excited for is getting to compete against other teams, getting to know them, and overall the feeling of being on trial with the opposing team,” 8th grader Laasya Ramolla said.

Connecting younger and older students

One perk of middle school mock trial is their coaches – who are also students. Each fall, dozens of high school students volunteer to coach mock trial. This year, there are 21 student coaches choosing to give back and share their passion for mock trial with younger students at Summit and Johnston Middle School.

“The number of high school coaches highlights the strength of the program in the district,” said Summit ELP teacher Colleen Ites. “It makes our middle school students better, but it also makes our high school students better.”

Not only does coaching help form relationships with younger students, but coaches appreciate the sharpening of skills it provides. Middle and high school mock trial seasons run opposite of each other, with the high school season taking place in the spring.

“I love connecting with the younger students – it’s really fun to build those relationships with the younger kids,” said JHS senior and Team Dragon coach Maraya Wiltfang. “I especially love coaching because it keeps my skills sharp in between seasons. It’s nice to get a refresh in the fall while coaching.”

Developing friendships, presentation skills

Middle school students began practicing in early September and will end their season in early December. Teams meet on Tuesday nights and then one day over the weekend, depending on team member schedules. On Oct. 22, all four teams participated in a dress rehearsal.

Throughout the preparation phase, students write their own parts, memorize statements and evidence, practice making objections, learn courtroom decorum and more. On top of that, teams form unbreakable bonds.

Students at the 2023 State Middle School Mock Trial tournament

“Some of my best friendships were made because of mock trial,” Wiltfang said. “ When we first meet a team, the kids are usually really shy, they don’t want to talk, and then by the end of it, they’re all best friends. It is really cool to watch and get to facilitate that.”

Staff members have also seen that former mock trial students often do better performing in coursework, and applying for and /landing internships, because of the presentation skills they develop.

Over the years, Johnston’s middle school mock trial program has a history of performing well at competitions and qualifying for state. Two years ago, Johnston’s Team Dragon beat Regis Middle School of Cedar Rapids to be named the 2022 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Champions. In 2023, three JMS mock trials teams competed at the State Middle School Mock Trial tournament. Two teams finished in the top 12 (of 32 state qualifying teams) and earned trophies. Team Gold finished in 11th place, while Team Dragon tied for 12th place. Three Johnston students were recognized as All-State award winners.