Strong Showing by Mock Trial Participants

On February 6, the Browning mock trial team presented an assembly for the Upper School and Form II boys. The faculty sponsor of the team is Browning math teacher Marcia Wallace, and she commented: 

“The Lower Gym was transformed into a spectacular court room, and 14 young men displayed their knowledge and skills as orators, lawyers, and witnesses. This year’s case involves the suspicion of "skimming" a portion of the proceeds from games of chance at a school booster club fundraiser. The accused has a history of gambling addiction and also recently received an inheritance from a deceased aunt. That fact is used to "explain away" the sudden acquisition of a sports car and a swimming pool in the back yard. Each side was represented by three lawyers, and each called three witnesses to the stand. The team has been masterfully coached for the past 10 years by Katherine Weinhoff, a former Browning parent (James '10) and current law professor at Fordham University."
 
Ms. Weinhoff said, "I feel that this was our strongest showing in an assembly to date. This team shows tremendous promise, and the leadership of our seniors is invaluable. This really could be our year to go far in the tournament.”
 
Ms. Wallace also added, “It was an honor to have D. Scott Wise return to Browning for a second time to serve as judge for the proceedings. Mr. Wise also had a son who attended Browning (Harry '10), and he currently is a litigator at the prestigious law firm of Davis Polk & Wardell. Mr. Wise offered the boys many compliments for their performance and added an excellent list of suggestions to help make the team even stronger as they approach their first two rounds of competition. Those will occur on Tuesday, February 24, and Wednesday, March 4."