The classic novel “Tuck Everlasting” was the basis for the series of mock trials at Tappan Middle School, where sixth-graders learned about the trial process from a University of Michigan Law School assistant dean.

David Baum, a former Tappan parent, served as part judge, part teacher as he guided them through the trial process.

In the 1975 classic by Natalie Babbitt, which takes place in upstate New York in the 1880s, Winnie Foster stumbles upon Jesse Tuck and his family, who have been drinking from a spring that keeps the family immortal. The Tucks spirit Winnie away and share their secret with her. When the “man with the yellow suit” follows, he is struck over the head by Mae Tuck, who was protecting her family, and he subsequently dies.

Student witnesses included various characters from the book, a weapons specialist and physician, among others. Students played all of the parts from attorneys to jurors and observers of the trial.

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