Fort Hamilton High School’s Law Team concluded its mock trial season this February, traveling to the Brooklyn District Courthouse to deliver arguments concerning the (fake) case of a student charged with creating slanderous deep fakes of their school’s superintendent.
Team members had to memorize affidavits and use case law to explain their arguments while competing against other schools. For team member and senior Talya Landesberg, who played Sandy Townes, the student at the center of the case, the challenge proved exhilarating and gratifying.
“It felt good to know all of our hard work paid off,” she said.
The Law Team’s coach, Mr. Kaminsky, said he was proud of the growth he saw in this year’s returning members.
“My favorite part of competing this season is watching the returning team members continue to grow their skill set, and it was great to see the new team members begin their time on the team,” said Mr. Kaminsky. “It is always memorable watching the kids step up.”
Students prepared for the team starting in December, at the end of the team’s moot court season, where the team made it to the quarterfinals.
“The preparation process was a lot more fun than you would expect it to be,” said Max Korte, co-captain of the team. “It was a really great way for everyone to get to know each other, while also getting a great, hands-on experience with law.”
While the season has ended, the team is still proud of their work.
“I would tell this year’s team that I am extremely proud of them,” Mr. Kaminsky said. “They worked very hard, helped each other out, got better as the season went along and brought great pride to themselves and to Fort Hamilton.”
Landesberg agreed, adding that she enjoyed being able to develop great public speaking and debate skills.
“I know for sure that I’ll be able to use them in the future,” she said.
The team’s season will start again in Fall of 2025 with moot court. In the meantime, however, the team members have started a Debate Club, which is open to all members regardless of experience level.
“There are all sorts of parts speaking and non-speaking,” said Mr. Kaminsky. “I also feel the skills learned while being on the team are valuable even if you are not interested in a legal career.”