Within the past few weeks, D-E's Mock Trial Team has competed in two successful trials, both of which have proven the team's strength, organization and talent.   The first trial of the year was held in Room 336 of the Bergen County Superior Court House, the same location where the team won and performed a mock trial three years ago. For that, the team has developed a new motto, “D-E owns 336”.

At the first trial, the team was presented with information on Carmen Capella’s lawsuit against Petzicon Products. According to the case, Carmen Capella was a champion show dog owner who gave his dog, Sally, a Petzicon Product’s flea treatment that eventually killed the dog. On the same day, Sally won one of the largest pet shows in the country. As per the circumstances of lost income and negligence on behalf of the company, Capella (plaintiff) made the decision to sue Petzicon Products. Representing Petzicon Products, the team won a very convincing victory.

As Vice President and Captain of the Defense, D-E senior Joshua Panter represented the lead defense attorney for Petzicon Products. Alongside was Daniel Terry ’13, the other attorney for defense. The other three members represented witnesses. Max Kantor played the role of witness, “Pat O’Connel”, a CEO of the major pet products company. In her first time competing, Giulia Panter performed in court as “Val Popinjay”, an expert witness in finance. Furthermore, Krish Pamani performed as “Sam Stone”, a witness and expert in the field of chemical engineering. The judges in this trial were represented by two NJ-bar lawyers.

As club president, Krish Pamani remarked, "It’s great to see that the hard work we put in for 4 months is now paying off. We have an incredibly talented group of kids this year, and I'm excited to continue the season and am looking forward to replicating our success!"

The team then competed in another mock trial at which Krish Pamani and Harrison Gordon were the lead attorneys with Lucas Petricone-Berg, Joshua Davis, and Arianna Sidoti as witnesses. Representing the plaintiff side, the D-E Mock Trial Team notably defeated Bergen Arts and Sciences School. 

“I would like to give special thanks to our faculty adviser, Mr. Gonella, for his selfless effort to help us get ready for court. We couldn't have done it without him," noted Vice President and Captain of the Defense Team, Joshua Panter.

The D-E Mock Trial team continues in more competitions this month which, if equally successful, will result in the team moving on to the Bergen County Playoffs for the first time.  Go Bulldogs!