Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Mock Trial Preliminaries
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No matter what, the ones swinging the sword the most on the actual battlefield were the rebutters, so their responsibility was immense. It wasn't easy for one person to handle the rebuttal role across all rounds of a typical two-day tournament.
That was why teams usually distributed rebutters by theme, deploying their main players where it mattered most. But Kang Hyun's team's tournament lineup was a bit unusual.
Opening Argument: Kang Hyun
Rebuttal: Kang Hyun
Closing Argument: Yoon Chan-rim, Woo Si-hyung
Issue Summary: Yoon Chan-rim, Woo Si-hyung
Four rounds of the tournament.
In that lineup, Kang Hyun's name was listed for both the opening arguer and rebutter, while Yoon Chan-rim and Woo Si-hyung alternated in the closing argument slots.
In other words, Kang Hyun would take the front lines for everything, handing the ball off to the other two.
"That puts a huge burden on you, Hyung. You sure you're okay with that?"
"It's fine. The preliminaries don't require much prep. I even think it'd be a loss if you guys got analyzed before the main round."
"That's assuming it won't wear you out. You really okay?"
At Yoon Chan-rim and Woo Si-hyung's worried words, Kang Hyun made a nonchalant face.
"...Sounds fun, actually."
Then he strode through the transparent doors of the venue without hesitation, heading to the reception desk.
The banner and sign reading 'Korea University Campus Mock Court Competition' loomed ahead.
A prestigious on-campus event where top talents from across the country gathered.
Their bold steps toward claiming a resounding first victory in the preliminaries had begun.
10 a.m.
Kang Hyun's team had the first match of the preliminary tournament—and the first of the day.
The mock courtroom was so meticulously detailed it could be mistaken for a real trial.
Behind it sat famous law professors, law school seniors, actual prosecutors, and lawyers observing.
Mock trials were the crown jewel of law school, after all. It was only natural they'd take interest in undergrad competitions, especially since 'monster law students'—still on the free agent market—occasionally popped up.
Teams specializing in mock trials were visibly scouting them.
"Greetings to our aspiring legal professionals and all the attendees who've joined us with keen interest. Let the first match begin."
As the judge-role examiner opened their mouth, both teams quietly faced forward.
Kang Hyun did the same.
His heart pounded faintly, tension prickling his scalp.
It was a thrill he hadn't felt in ages.
Not a real trial, but Kang Hyun had craved the courtroom.
How long had it been since his last one?
Like a general returning to the front after stepping back, he took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable sensation coursing through him.
"...First, the written submissions for preliminaries serve only as a threshold for advancement, so we've decided to allocate 100 points to oral arguments, with consent forms signed accordingly. All other proceedings will be directed by the bench per campus mock trial rules."
"Yes!"
"Yep!"
Kang Hyun and the team members replied in their own tones and voices. Even in the packed venue, their responses echoed loudly.
"Now, confirming attendance: Plaintiff team—Kim Jung-sik, third-year Sociology, Korea University, and two others. Defendant team—Kang Hyun, first-year Law, Korea University, and two others. All present?"
"Yes!"
On the side of the courtroom sat the opposing team, brimming with tension.
As mock trial competitions spread, campus events often encouraged 'non-law' students to participate, emphasizing attendance. So teams made entirely of relatively weaker majors existed.
Of course, that didn't mean they could relax. Tournament nature meant even powerhouse teams could crash out early with one slip-up.
"First, some reminders. Facts are to be drawn solely from provided materials, laws from current statutes. For any documents drafted, date them today and proxy as 'Representative, Counsel, Team Number.'"
The examiner was a selected renowned professor or distinguished legal scholar.
They recited the rules in an unwavering, measured tone, down to the finest details—a demeanor straight out of a judge's playbook.
"...For case citations and literature, clearly state sources. That's all. Review the documents displayed frontally. You have 30 minutes for case analysis and argument prep consultation. Court resumes in 30."
Thwack thwack thwack.
The examiner's instructions concluded.
Thirty minutes given.
Kang Hyun lifted the stack of provided materials.
A document titled 'Case Summary,' followed by a thick bundle of investigation records and evidence.
The first section, 'Facts of the Case,' outlined the plight of the individual in question—like a core incident brief.
The case went like this.
'Party A, regarding the announcement of answer 2 for question 8 in World History (Social Studies elective) on the College Scholastic Ability Test (hereinafter 'the exam in this case'), filed an objection decision. Upon notification that 'no defect in the question,' it concluded. Thereafter, Party A filed a petition to cancel the answer determination disposition...'
A small sigh escaped those beginning to read.
Campus prelims usually featured low-difficulty topics given the level, but this one's was exceptionally high.
"Whew..."
"Tough."
"This for...impromptu arguments?"
State compensation cases for multiple correct answers in exam questions were familiar in theme but alien in application—requiring scrutiny of relevant statutes.
This rivaled formal mock court events prepped over time with expert coaching and research at law school level, or even the international elite 'Bismuth' competition.
A high-difficulty case handed to those lacking basic legal foundation.
Even for Woo Si-hyung or Yoon Chan-rim, it'd take focused analysis to search applicable statutes without wasting time.
Ten minutes left in consultation.
Yoon Chan-rim spoke first.
"Hyung, you'll stall for time, right? Need to set the flow, so let's hunt precedents over statutes."
Woo Si-hyung chimed in.
"Sounds good. Plaintiffs might just list past cases after statements and call it."
"Pushing with historical precedent?"
"Yeah. Not a repeated theme, too high-level—evidence logic would expose holes. I'll check the evidence list for anything usable."
Their talk sounded like any college kids'. No matter the prep, they weren't prosecutors or lawyers—how could they argue new topics fluently?
In high-level events with advance themes, they'd at least build basic logic through prep.
But these prelims were impromptu.
Strike easy topics concisely, dismantle opponent claims swiftly—that was the goal.
Yet whoever set this had raised the bar from the start. Everyone figured the first-round tournament would end in a split-decision jab-fest.
As the undisclosed case flashed on the big screen, the gallery buzzed with excited discussions and debates, flexing their knowledge.
"Not easy."
"Undergrad level's already this high?"
Voices swelled with anticipation.
Hearing it, Yoon Chan-rim and Woo Si-hyung masked anxiety, calmly searching precedents and statutes.
But at that moment, Kang Hyun curved his lips.
'State compensation case. Obvious they tailored it for Bismuth's big domestic run.'
Countless cases and rulings he'd replayed mentally.
'The case itself isn't hard. But...'
Kang Hyun skimmed the documents, his smile deepening.
Something had caught his eye.
"Court's in session."
The judge-role examiner leaned into the mic.
"Plaintiff opening arguer, proceed."
The red light flicked on the first opponent student's mic.
With a spirited expression, he began, materials in hand.
"Yes! Greetings. Plaintiff counsel. About 400,000 of 600,000 test-takers chose World History in Social Studies on this College Scholastic Ability Test. Defendants announced answer 2 for question 8 immediately post-exam. Despite option 2 contradicting objective facts, they ruled no issue on objection. Clear abuse and deviation of discretion—unlawful. Thus, we sue the Education Minister defendant to cancel the answer determination."
Well-trained, refined for undergrad level.
Kang Hyun nodded at the logical, calm delivery—but that was it. His steady gaze drifted from the speaker.
"...This objection merits grave consideration. Defendants should have consulted academic societies upon receipt. But per evidence list, Party A No. 4, they held an internal review committee sans consultation, deeming no issue."
The opening flowed seamlessly into rebuttal—no, into the arguer's steady advocacy. The room held its breath.
Not even law students, yet surprisingly skilled—not here just for experience.
"...Pretty good."
Woo Si-hyung and Yoon Chan-rim seemed to sense the opponent's prowess too.
Exceeding expectations, prior predictions missed; they needed calm, swift strategy shifts.
"...Reviewing Party A evidences 8, 12, 13: option text plainly wrong. Per two high school textbooks cited, missing explanations and unclear timelines provide clear support."
Impressive, too, given full use of prep time to analyze and build logic swiftly.
"...That's all."
As time passed with Kang Hyun silently absorbing their logic, a faintly anxious Woo Si-hyung shot him a look.
'Maybe just state our side for round one, wrap it...'
No advantage plaintiff vs. defendant here, but solid plaintiff logic meant defendants dissecting each point—unfavorable fact.
Their airtight, incisive advocacy had the examiner inwardly leaning victory pre-defendant statements, after just five minutes.
But then.
"Objection."
"...?"
Kang Hyun raised his hand slowly.
The erupting plaintiff team, and examiner alike, eyed him puzzled.
His expression screamed top dog of this mock trial comp—try me if you dare.
He smiled with utter composure.