On February 25, 2014, the Butte County Superior Court hosted the Butte County High School Mock Trial Competition which was sponsored by the Butte County Office of Education. This is a national program and each participating high school is given the same case to take to trial. They play the parts of the defendant and the witnesses as well as the prosecutors and the defense attorneys. They not only have to learn the facts of the case but also have to learn the law that corresponds with the case
This year, the case involved the sale of prescription medication, the abuse of which is fast becoming a national as well as a local epidemic. The victim, who suffered from a heart condition, died of cardiac arrest which was brought on by the Adderall (Adderall is amphetamine, a common ADHD prescription medication) the defendant student sold to him. The defendant student was charged with possession of amphetamine for sale and second degree murder.
Las Plumas High School and Pleasant Valley High School competed this year. Each side gave wonderful presentations and the scores were very close. Pleasant Valley edged Las Plumas by only 4 points to win the County title.
I have been a DDA for Butte County for 9 years and was a DDA for Humboldt County for 12 years, and Las Plumas’ attorney coach since 2008-2009 school year. I am so impressed by the teacher coaches who dedicated hundreds of hours of their personal time for this project and by the tremendous amount of work put in by the students. This program improves public speaking, creates good competitors, and teaches the students about our judicial system as well as issues that are important in their lives. It is truly my honor to be a part of this program and helping to guide those who are our future. I am so proud of all my team members for a job well done.
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| BCDDA Mock Trial Assistant Coaches-Matt Taylor (PV High School), Kim McNelis IPV High School) and Elizabeth Norton (LP High School) |
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| Judge's Panel AM Session-Jessica Miller, Jennifer Bennett and Leah Payne |
*Article submitted by Deputy District Attorney Elisabeth Norton currently assigned to felony narcotics with the Butte County District Attorney's Office
