A Wrong Click, a Quiet Defendant and a € 40,000 Second Chance

Our classroom recently became a courtroom for an English-language mock trial based on our business simulation. Matthäus Poscharnegg faced the allegation that his poor management had driven his company into insolvency after he accidentally set his selling price at € 2,100 instead of € 210.

Franziska Hochsam led the hearing as presiding judge, supported by lay judges Kristian Jurusic and Alyssa Neukirchner. Prosecutor Julian Strohmeier presented the charge, while defence lawyer Florian Zöhrer argued Matthäus’s case. After the opening statements, the court examined the restructuring plan and discussed production costs, storage expenses and financial controls.

When offered two minutes to explain himself, Matthäus simply replied: “I remain silent.” A perfectly valid choice, although his increasingly desperate lawyer might have appreciated a little more support. Even the apology at the end sounded as though it needed considerable encouragement.

After the closing statements and deliberation, the court found Matthäus not guilty. In the separate restructuring discussion, he received a financial lifeline of € 30,000 this week and another € 10,000 next week.

The trial combined business knowledge, critical thinking and English communication—with a welcome dose of courtroom comedy. Matthäus now has another chance to save his company. Hopefully, his next financial decision will involve a carefully checked slider!

Prof. Magnet, MSc