Catlin Gabel Takes 2nd Place at the 2016 Mock Trial State Competition

March 12, 2016. The 30th annual Oregon Mock Trial state competition was fiercely competitive this year, with eighteen high school teams traveling from as far away as Baker City to hold trials at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse in downtown Portland. Two days and three rounds winnowed the competition down to two finalists: West Linn High School Gold Team and Catlin Gabel School. Riverdale High School came in third, and in Fourth, Lake Oswego High School.

First place was decided in a winner-take-all final round, with teams flipping a coin to decide who would represent the prosecution and the defense. The Honorable Michael H. Simon of the United States District Court presided. He was joined by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dean, Lewis & Clark Law School; Mr. Steve Piucci, Attorney; Ms. Susie Marcus, education consultant; and The Honorable Stacie Beckerman, U.S. Magistrate Judge. The fictional criminal case, “State of Oregon v. Bobby Dousa,” dealt with issues including the drug Rohypnol, cyber-bullying, and internet privacy.

At the end, West Linn High School was victorious, with Catlin Gabel coming in second. The West Linn team will go on to represent Oregon at the National High School Mock Trial Competition in Boise, Idaho, May 12-14, 2016.

“I was so impressed with the caliber of competition this year,” said Classroom Law Project Program Manger, Tyler Kaltenbach. “It was great to see new teams, like Jefferson High School and St. Stephen’s join us at the State competition. Each year the field seems to get stronger. We are thrilled for West Linn and wish them the best in Boise.”

Thanks to all of the teachers, coaches and parents who helped to make this year’s mock trial competition possible. We are so grateful for your support! Much thanks is owed to the State Mock Trial sponsors: Oregon State Bar, Lewis & Clark Law School, and Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Thanks also to the Oregon Law Foundation for their support! If you would like to see photos from the event, please click here and enter the password: ClassLaw (case sensitive).