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  • Inside Track
    December 19, 2012

    Murder Trial Needs Lawyers Statewide: Volunteer for the 2013 Regional Mock Trial Tournament on Feb. 9

    Regional Tournament

    Attorney volunteers are needed statewide for Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Program on Saturday, Feb. 9, at statewide locations.

    Volunteer shifts are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1 to 6 p.m.

    Dec. 19, 2012 – Can you volunteer just four to five hours to this year’s exciting High School Mock Trial murder trial? What an invigorating way to spend a cold Saturday in February – watching high school students present what they have learned about the law and the legal system, connecting with colleagues, and judging a murder trial. Judges are needed for the regional tournaments on Feb. 9 at statewide locations.

    About the Case

    In this year’s case, the state of Wisconsin has charged an individual with attempted first-degree homicide, contrary to Wisconsin Statutes sec. 940.01(1)(a) and 939.32. One possible witness to the shooting is dead. The circumstances of his death are not entirely clear. The defendant has decided to testify.

    The case was written by Criminal Law Section members Anne Bensky, Kristen Lonergan, Ashley Richter, Hannah Schieber, Eric Schulenburg, and Tonya Turchik with guidance and review from Ellen Henak, Michael Rosenberg, and Charles Senn.

    Volunteering for the Regional Tournament Could Be Your Ticket to a Seat at Nationals in 2014

    “Wisconsin hasn’t hosted the National Mock Trial Championship since 1992,” said State Bar of Wisconsin National Mock Trial Committee Chair Kevin Lonergan. “It’s an honor as well as a massive undertaking, and we will need close to 500 experienced mock trial judges all in the space of three days in May. Experience is the key word in the national rules. If you have never volunteered or haven’t participated in the Wisconsin program for several years, you might not be able to participate in nationals in 2014.”

    So if you hope to participate in National High School Mock Trial Championship in Madison in 2014, please volunteer as a judge for the 2013 Wisconsin Mock Trial program to ensure your eligibility,” said Lonergan.

    About the Mock Trial Program

    The Mock Trial Program teaches high school students about the law and the legal system while they participate in a simulated trial. Each school year, hundreds of high school students participate in the State Bar’s Mock Trial program. Acting as lawyers and witnesses on both sides of a fictional case, students compete against each other in regional competitions throughout the state in February. The winners of the semi-finals then compete before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in March. Teams are scored on their knowledge of the rules of evidence, the quality of their direct and cross examinations, and opening and closing statements.

    Sign Up Now

    If volunteering for a regional tournament on Feb. 9 doesn’t work for you, consider volunteering for the State Semifinals in Madison on Sunday, March 10.

    For more information or to volunteer, contact Marsha Varvil-Weld, State Bar Public Education coordinator at (608) 250-6191 or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191.



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