To promote an understanding of dating violence, Dripping Springs ISD high school students participated in a mock trial playing the role of all participants from defendants to lawyers and jury members.
For the 8th year in the “courtroom” of retired Judge Brenda Smith, a realistic dating violence trial took place at the Hays County Government Center with the assistance of the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center.
High school students playing as prosecutors accuse “Paul Radford” of choking and abusing his ex-girlfriend, but the defense argued that his former girlfriend Monica Watkins is an exaggerated drama queen making false accusations.
Students explored the emotional trauma of the victim through cross examination and how their trauma is often construed as “attention getting.” During the mock trial, “Monica” said she did not want to press charges and the defense claimed the trial was another testament to theatrics.
Expert testimony from a student playing the role of a social worker reminded jurors that often it is difficult to hold the abuser accountable because they are in an intimate relationship with their abuser and stuck in a psychological cycle of abuse.
Smith said she hopes that students gain an understanding and awareness of what an abusive relationship looks like.
“This project is very near and dear to my heart. We have been working it for almost 10 years,” Smith said. “They may not have seen what an unhealthy relationship looks like and to learn the difference. When they go to college, hopefully they can get out of those relationships and help others leave.”
Student jurors were presented witness testimonies, evidence, heard lawyer’s arguments and felt the discomfort of making a decision with certainty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial explored realistic errors like mishandling of police reports, improper processing of evidence such as the defense not being shown evidence and the value of expert or character testimony.
