For Immediate Release
	CONTACT: Dee Runaas Law-Related Education Coordinator (608) 250-6191

Mock trial winners advance to state tournament

Feb. 14, 2000 - After competing in regional tournaments on Feb. 12, 14 high school teams advanced to the state mock trial tournament set for March 12-13 in Madison. Two additional teams will advance after tie-breaker rounds on Feb. 19.

The 17th annual mock trial tournament attracted 170 teams. More than 400 Wisconsin lawyers and judges participated as coaches and judges, including members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, who will judge the final round. The winner of the state tournament will travel to South Carolina in May to compete in the national mock trial tournament. Superior High School, last year's state winner, placed fourth in the nationals.

Regional winners

The following teams won their regional competition:

• Eau Claire Regis
• Marshfield
• Ashwaubenon
• Lincoln (Wisconsin Rapids)
• Xavier (Appleton)
• Boscobel
• Madison West
• Sheboygan South
• Oregon
• Marquette University
• Rhinelander
• Mukwonago
• Prairie School
• Sturgeon Bay
• Superior (beat Spring Valley in tie-breaker)
• Beaver Dam (beat Berlin in tie-breaker)

The Case

The fictional case in this year's tournament, In the Matter of Shelby Withers v. Clearwater School District, deals with what, if anything, should be done with a student whose disability may have manifested itself in the form of behavior that is arguably dangerous to others. Amendments to the Individuals with Disability Education Act, which establish procedures for schools to follow, are relevant to the case.

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