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Judiciary to conduct 3rd Mock Trial Academy
On Dec. 10, 2016, the Commonwealth Judiciary will be conducting the 3rd Judiciary Mock Trial Academy to prepare students for the 2017 CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition and the National High School Mock Trial Championship.
The academy is intended to be a resource for students in the initial preparation for the CNMI and national competitions, similar to other jurisdictions that have the advantage of mock trial resources in law schools.
Students from Rota and Tinian will join their fellow competitors from Saipan at the Guma’ Hustisia in Susupe for the daylong session. Attorneys and experienced coaches will be giving presentations on topics including trial advocacy skills, evidence, cross-examination, opening argument, and closing argument. Over 150 students participated in the academy in 2014 and 2015.
“The academy’s success is due to the extensive volunteer efforts of our legal community and the bright, young students who passionately participate in mock trial each year,” said Deanna M. Ogo, co-coordinator of the High School Mock Trial Program.
The CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition will be held Feb. 16-17, 2017. The competition—sponsored by the Judiciary, Public School System, and the Bar Association—gives students an opportunity to learn about the judicial system, court procedures and the legal system.
Students will portray the role of attorneys and witnesses and present both the prosecution and defense sides of Commonwealth v. Kelsey Reed, a fictional cyberbullying case. Competitors will be judged based on their knowledge of the evidence and ability to present a logical and persuasive case. Members of the bench and attorneys serve as the presiding judges and jurors.
The winning team will travel to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 11-13, 2017, to compete with over 40 teams.
