Monterey, CA – Six local high schools are intently preparing for fierce competition at the upcoming 11th annual Monterey County High School Mock Trial program. The trials, slated for January 29 and February 2, 4 & 7, include Pacific Grove (last year’s winner), Monterey, Carmel, Palma, Salinas and North Salinas High Schools.

This year’s case, People v. Lane, promises to be a thriller. Local leader and the defendant, Leslie Lane, is charged with arson and inciting a riot. The story begins when a cult-like religious group called the "New Believers" moves into small rural town "Woodville". Tensions build between local residents and the "New Believers" as the newcomers disrupt the local's lives and their tourism-based economy. Leslie Lane emerges as the locals group leader that opposes the New Believers. The locals and the New Believers both claim they are the victims of harassment and mistreatment by the other group.

Leslie Lane escalates the feud with a provocative speech before a frenzied crowd, followed by a performance of Lane’s Rap song “Burn ‘em Out”, and the burning of an effigy of the New Believer’s Leader. Police are summoned. Within 30 minutes of the police breaking up the rally, the feud culminates, as the New Believers’ community center is burned to the ground. Leslie Lane is arrested at the scene of the crime.

Guilty as charged? Or—perhaps—framed by the leader of the New Believers to stifle criticism of his opulent lifestyle as head of the cult-like group? In ferreting out the truth and trying the facts of the case, the high school student teams will argue a pretrial motion to dismiss the count of inciting a riot based upon the First Amendment free speech protections.

The Lyceum of Monterey County is the local Mock Trial program sponsor. The Lyceum provides after school enrichment programs in the Arts, Sciences, Technology, Literacy, and Humanities throughout Monterey County. The Constitutional Rights Foundation organizes the statewide trial competition. This program also relies upon a generous financial contribution from the Monterey County Bar Association, volunteer support from lawyers and judges throughout the County as well as other support.

Contact:
Ms. Wanda Pan-Christiansen,
Executive Director
The Lyceum of Monterey County
831-372-6098
wanda@lyceum.org