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Mock trial coordinator visits high schools
For the last few weeks, High School Mock Trial coordinator Nicole M. Torres has been speaking with high school students on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota about the 2015 Mock Trial competition, slated to be held in late February 2015. Mock trial, annually sponsored by the CNMI Bar Association, Public School System, and NMI Judiciary, is an opportunity for students to learn about the justice system by acting as prosecution and defense attorneys or witnesses in a case.
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- Kagman High School students and teacher-coach excited for the 2015 competition. (Contributed Photo)
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- Dr. Rita H. Inos High School students after the presentation. (Contributed Photo)
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- High School Mock Trial coordinator Nicole M. Torres, who is also a law clerk to Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, gives her Mock Trial presentation. (Contributed Photo)
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- High School Mock Trial coordinator Nicole M. Torres poses questions to Grace Christian Academy students. (Contributed Photo)
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- Mount Carmel School students review the Mock Trial brochure. (Contributed Photo)
Among the topics Torres discussed during the presentations was the Judiciary Mock Trial Academy that will be held for the first time in the competition’s history. For three days next month, distinguished attorneys will present an overview of courtroom procedures and trial rules to the students.
“The academy is intended to be another resource for students in the initial preparation for the CNMI and national competitions,” Torres said. “The Judiciary would like the students to have access to additional training by experienced attorneys, similar to other jurisdictions that have the advantage of mock trial resources at law schools.”
Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro echoed the purpose of the academy, and thanks Maya Kara, president of the CNMI Bar Association, and Tim Thornburgh, federal programs officer for the CNMI Public School System, for their continued support.
In preparation for the competition, Torres requested assistance from CNMI Bar members to serve as coaches and judges. Some schools have started practicing for the competition. Attorneys interested in volunteering may contact Torres at nmimocktrial@gmail.com or 236-9800, or CNMI Bar Association executive director Suzanne Steffy at 235-4529. (CNMI Judiciary)
