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Judiciary to host Mock Trial Academy
The Northern Mariana Islands Judiciary will conduct the second annual High School Mock Trial Academy this Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Guma’ Hustisia. High school students from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will attend lectures on various facets of mock trial and the legal system, including the rules of evidence, credible witness portrayal, and effective trial presentation.
The presenters at this year’s academy will include U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy, U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe, and attorneys Rexford Kosack and Robert Tenorio Torres.
The CNMI High School Mock Trial competition, comparable to a state-level competition, challenges students to try a case that models real-world conflict in the courtroom before real judges and a jury made up of attorneys.
“Participating in mock trial helps students develop important life and leadership skills, such as active listening, critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork,” said Sheila Trianni, 2016 High School Mock Trial coordinator. “It also increases comprehension of the basis of our judicial system and teaches them about the law and court system.”
“Mock trial builds a bridge between the students’ education and the legal profession, that supports the development of our future leaders and lawyers of tomorrow,” Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro said. “The Judiciary appreciates the assistance of the presenters, Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, the Public School System and the CNMI Bar Association for continuing to partner with the Judiciary in the Mock Trial Program and the Mock Trial Academy.”
The 2016 competition will take place in February at the Guma’ Hustisia. The winning team will represent the CNMI at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Boise, Idaho in May 2016.
For more information regarding this year’s Mock Trial problem, Douglas v. Harrison, or the High School Mock Trial Program, visit the Judiciary’s website at http://www.justice.gov.mp/ or the CNMI Bar online at http://cnmibar.net or email nmimocktrial@gmail.com. (NMI Judiciary)
