This year’s Mock Trial season at Port Townsend High School delivered another strong showing for local teams in district and state competitions.

This year’s case was written by Clark County Superior Court Judge Robert Lewis, who had students statewide arguing about the rights of an under-housed individual who took back his impounded property and was charged with burglary and malicious mischief.  The defendant argued a necessity defense, meaning he claimed to have exhausted all legal options and had no choice but to take back what was his, even though it may be a violation of the law.”

Judge Lewis wanted the students to struggle with this issue as it is a real social challenge with complicated dynamics to work through, said Jefferson County Superior Court Judge Brandon Mack.

In District Competition, both PTHS Mock Trial teams fought in tough trials versus University Prep and Skyline High Schools to make the Varsity team for qualifying for the State Championships. Best witness nominations went to Zoe Pruden, Grey Kingsolver, Kai Campell, Lucia Briggs and Best Attorney Nominations to Robin Haney, Aislyn Graves, June Harper, Isabella Nunn, Peter Sanok, Zella Mack, and Adeline McMillen.

The motivated and talented group of 9th graders who participated left everyone involved with the belief that PTHS Mock Trial has a bright future ahead. Adeline McMillen and Zella Mack will lead the squad next year.

At the State Championships in Tacoma, the Team argued championship caliber rounds versus Franklin, Wenatchee, and University Prep. The PTHS State Team did so well, hanging tough in fun and difficult trials versus many schools where students take Mock Trial as a class, meet every day, and may attend a school with 2000 students or are a private school.

Said Mack, “Here’s to Port Townsend for continuing to be the small and mighty public school that is courteous and respectful to all, and also not afraid to throw it down on the dance floor on Saturday night with the other schools.”

He gave special thanks to Brooks Kubic and Eva Weber for their commitment to the students, Judge Mindy Walker for her support, mentorship, and the use of District Court, as well as the Rotary and the Jefferson County Bar Association. 

“We couldn’t be prouder of how this team grew together and competed this year,” said Mack.

Chris Pierson is a language arts teacher at PTHS where he runs the drama and Mock Trial programs.