Willowbrook students participate in mock trial

Willowbrook students participate in a mock trial this past May to demonstrate the skills they learned in their law class and through experiences they had during the 2015-16 school year. Pictured is "bailiff" James Brucker (left) swearing in "witness" Joseph Strem Jr.

Willowbrook students participate in a mock trial this past May to demonstrate the skills they learned in their law class and through experiences they had during the 2015-16 school year. Pictured is Muhammed Naveed, who served as an Assistant District Attorney during the "trial."

This past May, 30 Willowbrook students brought to life the skills they learned in class and from a field trip to the DuPage County Circuit Court.

Those students were part of Willowbrook Career and Technical Education Department Chair Mary Barney’s law class and participated in a five-day mock trial. The fictional case was “Illinois v. Ashley Skinner,” with the charge of battery and attempted manslaughter for injuries caused to a male victim at a local mall.

The jury heard opening statements, testimonies and closing arguments. They also were presented with evidence. There was no verdict or judgment, as the jurors were unable to reach a decision. They were a hung jury, with a 10-2 vote for guilty, causing a mistrial with no cause for retrial due to the end of the school year. Students were able to use the lessons they experienced throughout the school year to portray the roles they chose for the mock trial.