Mock Trial Gives Temecula Prep Students Experience

"Judge" Scott Phillips listens as the prosecution questions a witness during the mock trial.

Students at Temecula Preparatory School gained experience in court proceedings during a two-day mock trial conducted as part of their government class.

The annual mock trial, held Nov. 20-21, was led by instructor Eric Resh. He developed a fictional larceny and murder case, "People vs. Miranda et al", in collaboration with TPS Headmaster Scott Phillips, who was a litigator for several years and worked at the appellate level in both state and federal cases.

Members of the senior class prepared for their role as attorneys (left), defendants and witnesses long before the first day of proceedings. Other students acted as jurors. Phillips presided over the trial as the judge.

"It's a tough battle between the three defendants and well-prepared prosecution," he said.

Underclassmen had the opportunity to view the proceedings. Also watching the mock trial was Phil Farrar, parent of a TPS student and a broadcast journalist for more than 25 years.

"I have covered many trials in my time and today I felt like I was back in the courtroom," he said. "The students are amazing."