Students Willow Tzonev '25 and Owen Sandquist-Sherman '25, co-heads of the Senior School Law Club, made school history this past February by launching the inaugural SMock Trial, a murder mystery courtroom drama entirely designed and run by students. The event, which drew 24 participants from SMUS and Pacific Christian School, marks the first time SMUS students have independently created, hosted and judged a mock trial, blending legal rigour with creative storytelling.
The trial plunged participants into a gripping fictional first-degree murder case, set against the backdrop of a high school party. The scenario, crafted by Willow and Owen, aimed for the dramatic draw of a true-crime narrative.
The meticulous attention to detail extended to the creation of compelling affidavits, written in the characters' own voices.
"The affidavits themselves are the characters speaking," emphasized Willow, stressing the importance of authenticity. For instance, character Jimmy Harrison, the 'jock baseball player,' was brought to life through language and mannerisms true to his persona. This approach not only made the writing process more engaging but also ensured the characters resonated with the participants.
The challenge lay in crafting a balanced narrative, one that offered compelling arguments for all sides without revealing a definitive answer.
"We needed to have a timeline of what happened, but we also couldn't have the case lead to a definitive answer," Owen noted, aiming to create a sense of intrigue and open interpretation.
This delicate balance, coupled with subtle character inspirations drawn from familiar figures, added layers of depth and humour to the trial. The visual elements, including hand-drawn crime scene exhibits by student artist Luc Denux '25 and a challenging suspect lineup, further enhanced the immersive British Columbia Supreme Court-style format. Three SMUS teams and one from Pacific Christian School tackled the roles of lawyers, witnesses and judges, navigating the intricate web of evidence and testimony.
From classroom to courtroom
“My thought was to go into medicine before, but when I was encouraged to try a mock trial, it turned out to be way more fun than I expected,” said Willow, who now plans to study social sciences followed by law school. Owen, drawn to law’s blend of logic and social impact, aims to pursue music as his undergrad followed by law with the intent to focus on copyright and entertainment law.
David Heffernan ’06, Senior School Humanities teacher, emphasized the trial’s role in demystifying legal careers.
“Everyone imagines arguing a big case in court. This event let students simulate that pressure while practicing advocacy, collaboration and critical thinking. Skills that transcend law,” he said. Heffernan highlighted the trial’s accessibility, “It was tailored it to be fun, not intimidating. Real-life siblings Luc and Manon Denux playing feuding characters was an endless source of hilarity.”
Initially hoping for a large number of teams, the co-heads adapted when only three signed up.
“Fewer teams meant more one-on-one coaching,” said Owen. “Beginners practiced public speaking, and the vibe stayed supportive, not cutthroat.” Participants analyzed ambiguous evidence, from a suspect’s alibi to a fingerprint-locked knife, while judges scored based on legal precision and improvisation during cross-examinations.
David Lynch ’98, Senior School Social Studies teacher, underscored the club’s ethos.
“We focused on learning, not the winning verdict. Real Canadian courtrooms aren’t as displayed in Hollywood, they’re about listening and problem-solving, not who talks loudest.”
“Law school teaches you 5% of the law—the rest is skill-building. Mock trials, moot courts, and mediations give students that ‘toolbox’ to tackle real-world problems,” said Heffernan, drawing parallels to legal education.
“Debates let you cherry-pick facts. Mock trials? You work with fixed evidence. It’s about persuasion, not just research,” Lynch added.
With graduation approaching, Willow and Owen are compiling resources; case templates, feedback forms and pacing guides, to ensure the club’s growth.
“We want this to become SMUS’s next Model UN,” said Owen.
Where learning meets laughter
This week's Law Club meeting buzzed with reflections on the SMock Trial experience. Students, brimming with insight and enthusiasm, shared their takeaways. Some highlighted the strategic shift in questioning witnesses, a crucial skill honed during the trial. Others fondly recalled the improv, costumes and theatrics that made the event so memorable. But perhaps the most resonant summary came from a student who simply declared, "It was fun and a great thing to do on a random Saturday."
That casual remark captured the essence of the trial's dual impact. Beyond the acquisition of real-world legal skills; crafting arguments, dissecting evidence and thinking on their feet, the event fostered a powerful sense of camaraderie. As students compared notes and shared inside jokes, it became clear: the SMock Trial was more than just an academic exercise. It was a defining moment, a shared narrative of nerves, laughter and lasting learning.
A testament to the power of student-led initiatives, the SMock Trial stands as a proud chapter in the SMUS story. It demonstrates that such experiences not only educate but also deeply inspire. Looking ahead, the Law Club is determined to continue this tradition, armed with case files, unwavering camaraderie and a keen sense of timing.
