Graduate student Evan Shem will be on trial for theft of a famous painting, “Treason,” Tuesday through Thursday in this year’s Honorable Edward P. Moffat Madera County Mock Trial, People vs. Shem.
During the fictional case, Shem will be tried for theft by larceny.
The Mock Trial is a simulation of a court case with high school students acting as attorneys, witnesses, clerks and bailiffs.
The prosecution alleges that Shem stole “Treason” during a Fourth of July party, replaced it with a fake, and intended to sell the original to pay off school debt. The defense argues Shem did not steal the painting and is an intern who loves art. The defense alleges Shem’s roommate was overly interested in “Treason” and had access to the painting in the unlocked gallery...