THS Mock Trial Association, Inc.

THS Mock Trial Association, Inc. Issues Apology and Clarification
Organization apologizes for miscommunication regarding its website and invitational

9.26.08 - The THS Mock Trial Association, Inc. apologizes for mistakenly including Tottenville High School's name on the Empire City Invitational section of our website. The organization would like to make it clear that the tournament is independently run and has no affiliation with Tottenville High School. The school has played no part in the planning, organization or financing of the event. While the website has featured stories on Tottenville's team in the past, it was not built not by, nor is it operated by the school, or an agent of the New York City Department of Education. We strive to promote legal education on the South Shore of Staten Island and our office is based in Tottenville. The organization's co-founder, Gregory P. Matarrese, is a local attorney that donates hours of his time every year to work with students. If you need a free legal consultation, please contact Mr. Matarrese: here.

The Empire City Invitational is Quickly Approaching
International tournament to be held in two weeks

9.24.08 - With less than a month away, the THS Mock Trial Association, Inc. is anxiously preparing for the second annual Empire City Invitational. This year's Empire will feature 18 teams, from four different counties and 10 different states. "I never thought the tournament would expand internationally," commented Gregory P. Matarrese, one of the coordinators of the event, "The combination of its location in the heart of New York City and the experience of arguing a case in a U.S. Court, must have made this a once in a life time opportunity for them". In addition to four fierce rounds of competition, students will enjoy a three hour, dinner cruise of New York City's harbor. The Empire City Invitational will be the first mock trial tournament in the history of New York State to attract schools from across the globe. "The Empire presents an extraordinary opportunity for students and it exemplifies the best that American and New York City has to offer," said THS Officer Michael Griffin. For more information about the Empire, please visit the invitational section of the website.

Mock Trial is an extracurricular activity offered at the high school, collegiate and law school level. Regarded as a highly competitive activity, it allows students to compete on a state and/or national level against schools from across the country. Students learn first hand about the work of trial attorneys, understand the judicial system, develop critical thinking and enhance communication skills. Tournaments consist of trials between prosecution (or plaintiff) and defense teams. Each team consists of 6-12 members, six of whom will actually compete at any given time (three as attorneys, three as witnesses). Each trial focuses on a single case which governs competition for the entire year, generally alternating annually between a criminal or civil legal issue. The New York State High School Mock Trial Competition has been coordinated since its founding in 1983 by the New York State Bar Association's Law, Youth and Citizenship Program (LYC). The collegiate mock trial competition is governed by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).

I want to go into business, and really have no interest in the law,
but mock trial was awesome... a lot of fun... good times... and
helps you a lot for life... join.
-David Gindin, THS Mock Trial Association '06

Listen to people who have lived through it... Mock Trial is a lot more then just an extra curricular activity -

I heard about Mock Trial from a friend...it was an amazing experience. I improved my public speaking skills, learned legal procedure and even became a better actor. My most promising memories and friends have been because of Mock Trial.
-Steven Kanjo, THS Mock Trial Association '05

The THS Mock Trial team may seem like just a few high school kids working together to win a competition, but we're much more than that. Not only do we train almost incessantly, but we develop life-long friendships, flawless character, and of course, an indestructible work ethic along the way. I will never forget what the THS law and advocacy program has done for me.
- Abel Thomas, THS Mock Trial Association '06

I did Mock Trial because I heard from other members what a great experience it was... it turned out to be better then I expected. I made many new friendships, learned a lot about the legal system, and even more about British accents!
-Danny Subkhankalov, THS Mock Trial Association '06