Mock Trial at Iowa State Fair

Each year the Iowa State Bar Young Lawyers Division organizes a “Trial by Jury” program at the Iowa State Fair.  Trial by Jury is a mock trial that is presented each night for free to the public.  The goal is to educate and inform the public about our jury and legal system.  Attorneys volunteer their time and members of the Fair audience are chosen to act as jury members.

On Saturday, August 13th, two of our attorneys,Kim Bartosh and Jason Farley, participated in this mock trial.  Cheryl Ritter, one of the Firm’s administrative assistants, and the spouse of another administrative assistant, Joel Sowieja, volunteered to serve as witnesses in the case.  The trial included opening statements, direct and cross-examination of the witnesses and closing arguments.  Iowa Second District Court Judge Colleen Weiland presided over the trial as she would in a real case.  While the jury deliberated, Judge Weiland, Kim Bartosh and Jason Farley participated in a “Q & A” session with those in attendance.