The 2013 Mock Trial case of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. Ta¡ tum Zillias pitted the state against the defendant Tatum Zillias, a developer in Philadelphia. All of the team members were happy at the chance to try a criminal case instead of a civil case, a new challenge for most of them. In the case this year, the owner of a public housing construction company was charged with two counts of murder in the third degree. The state argued that Mr. Zillias was responsible for the deaths of two people in a crane col¡ lapse on his site, which occurred during the arrival of a hurricane. This year's team was headed by seniors Brian LaGreca and Conor Lavelle. The lawyers prepared opening statements, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, and closing arguments for both the prosecution and defense. The witnesses memorized their statements and truly became their characters. There was never a dull moment during Sunday practices (even the never ending six hour ones). The team hopes to build off this year's petformance I.,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;';;;';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;=.J with the experienced team next year. Brian laGreca' 13
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Mock Trial