State Fair mock trial "courts" fairgoers
July 10, 1998
The Wisconsin State Fair:
cream puffs, the Kids from Wisconsin, baby animals, a criminal trial.
While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, the State
Fair's Mock Trial, sponsored by the State Bar and the Wisconsin Academy
of Trial Lawyers (WATL), has been a State Fair attraction for 10
years.
Each weekend day during the fair's run, a 90-minute version of a
fictional criminal or civil trial is presented at the Family Living
Center on the fairgrounds. The cases are culled from High School Mock
Trial programs nationwide or from the National Institute of Trial
Advocacy's files. Judges preside over the trials, which are argued by
attorneys. Volunteers portray witnesses, and audience members serve as
jurors. Throughout the trial, a moderator provides commentary on the
proceedings and answers audience questions. The program educates the
public about the jury system by providing an in-person glimpse at a
criminal or civil trial.
Attorney Will Techmeier has been involved with the program since its
inception, both as director of the WATL committee in charge of the
program, and as a moderator. "It's a wonderful opportunity for the
public to participate in and observe our legal system," says Techmeier.
"The mock trial familiarizes the public with the court system, how
judges operate, and what lawyers really do. And it's entertaining as
well as educational."
The civil case this year, Kyle Wilkins v. New Columbia County
School District, concerns possible negligence on the part of a
school, its principal, and track coach when a student athlete dies of a
heart attack brought on by excessive steroid usage. Wilkins v. New
Columbia County School District takes place on Aug. 9 at 4:30 and
Aug. 15 at 3:30.
The criminal case explores the reasonableness of school searches. In
Indiana v. Jamie L. Curtis, a principal discovers marijuana and
other evidence implicating a student (Jamie) as a drug dealer during a
search of the student's backpack. The case, which raises interesting
issues regarding the constitutional rights of students in school
settings, takes place on Aug. 8 at 4:30 and Aug. 16 at 3:30.
In addition to Techmeier, State Bar President Susan Steingass and
Scott K. McCarthy serve as moderators. Hon. Victor Manian, William A.
Jennaro, Hon. Michael P. Sullivan, and Hon. John DiMotto serve as judges
for the trials. Participating attorneys include Debra L. Blasius, Susan
L. Opper, Michael H. Kopp, Theodore D. Kafkas, Jay A. Urban, Scott B.
Taylor, Christopher L. Rexroat, Monte E. Weiss, Robert L. Jaskulski,
Jeffrey A. Pitman, Douglas W. Rose, Phillip J. Ramthun, Richard
Sullivan, Daniel D. Niedfeldt, Brenna I. Liskowski, and Lawrence P.
Peterson.
