2006 Logos National Mock Trial Team Performs before Prominent Locals

From the 1 May 2006 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

Logos Mock Trial Tested before Prominent Locals

Never before in a local courtroom has there assembled a jury of such prominent public faces: Moscow City Councilman John Weber, Latah County Commissioner Jack Nelson, City Attorney Randy Fife, former City Councilwoman Peg Hamlett, and local dentist Dr. Ben Bowen. These five jurors will determine the fate of Dakota Boren. Mr. Boren is charged with second degree murder in the tragic death of saddle bronc rider Billie Jo Murray. Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson will serve as presiding judge.

The public is invited to the UI Law School Courtroom on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to view the Idaho State Champion Mock Trial team from Logos School argue the fictitious case. The public trial is part of the Logos team’s preparation for the national competition next week in Oklahoma City.

Last month Logos won its third consecutive state title, and the eighth in their 12 years of participation in the Idaho competition. Associate Justice Linda Copple Trout of the Idaho Supreme Court presided over Logos’s championship trial in Boise. “The students showed a real grasp of complicated legal theories and procedures,” she marveled. Joining her on the panel were Hon. Larry Boyle, chief magistrate judge, U.S. District Court, and Russ Heller, Boise School District administrator. Judge Boyle compared the students’ performance to the professionals in his own courtroom. Trout agreed: “They display a level of poise, preparation and thought that equals or exceeds a number of attorneys. It is really refreshing to see that level of enthusiasm and preparation.”

Becky Jensen of the Idaho Law Foundation, who oversees the Mock Trial competition in Idaho, commended Logos for what they bring to the statewide program. “Not only are the Logos students strong competitors from year to year, they also display a professional level of civility, ethics and sportsmanship.” Mock Trial is recognized as one of the most exciting educational opportunities available to Idaho students. It offers them an opportunity to experience first-hand the drama and excitement of a courtroom proceeding, and sharpens their analytical and communication skills while learning about the law and the legal system.