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Thursday, Friday is mock trial competition
On Feb. 16 and 17, high school students from Rota, Tinian, and Saipan will compete in the 19th Annual CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition at the Guma’ Hustisia.
Students will be presenting a criminal case in front of judges and jurors, portraying the roles of attorneys, plaintiff, defendant, and witnesses.
The competition gives student hands-on experience in presenting arguments and witness testimonies, practicing courtroom procedures, learning the judicial system and the law, and developing important skills such as leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Over the past few months, participating students have been working hard preparing for the competition under the guidance of teachers and volunteer attorney coaches. Students also had a chance to develop their skills through the Mock Trial Academy held by the Judiciary last December.
At the competition, each team will compete in four rounds over the two-day period. At the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, the top two teams will go head-to-head in a final championship round.
The winner of the competition will represent the CNMI at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Hartford, Connecticut in May.
The Judiciary, CNMI Bar Association, and Public School System, co-hosts and sponsors of the competition, would like to thank the executive and legislative branches and various community sponsors for their support of the mock trial program.
