Jan. 20, 2010 – A semester of challenging academic research on American democracy and the contemporary relevance of the U.S. Constitution culminated in a day of simulated congressional hearings for students from five Wisconsin high schools on Jan. 8 in the State Capitol.

Wauwatosa West students prepare for congressional hearing

The team from Wauwatosa West High School took top honors for the third consecutive year at the state-level event and will represent Wisconsin at the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals in Washington D.C. in April.

First Lady Jessica Doyle welcomed more than 75 students representing five high schools. Schools included Milwaukee’s Heritage Christian and South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa’s East and West, and Ripon High School.

”Watching the students confidently respond to the judges, and supporting their positions with abundant caselaw and historical facts, should provide anyone with encouragement for the future of our nation,” says Wauwatosa West attorney coach Mark Young. “The students have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and are now excited to begin their preparation for the national competition. They will make Wisconsin proud in Washington, D.C. in April.”

The We the People program, which is sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Law Foundation, and Center for Civic Education, prepares the students for the state- and national-level events with a challenging social studies and history curriculum. At the simulated congressional hearings, students answer questions posed by volunteer panels consisting of lawyers, legislators, and educational professionals. Members of the class become expert witnesses on one of six units in the curriculum and then testify before the judges acting as U.S. congressional representatives.

Madison attorney Heath Straka gives feedback to students

“In addition to offering Wisconsin students a deeper understanding of the role played by the U.S. Constitution in shaping our daily life, the program teaches important life skills, including the ability to analyze complex material, to listen attentively to questions, and to think on their feet in a high-pressure environment,” notes Russ Whitesel, a Legislative Council senior staff attorney who judged this year’s state-level competition.

“The We the People and the Mock Trial programs offer high school students both a unique opportunity to develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime and to examine significant social issues. Both programs also seek to promote better communication and cooperation between the school community and the legal profession,” notes Lindsey Draper, State Bar Public Education Committee chair. “If you missed We the People, the Mock Trial tournaments in February and March also offer attorneys a great opportunity to watch these kids in action. If you haven’t judged a competition, I encourage you to try it this year.”

Lawyer volunteers needed for February and March Mock Trial tournaments

The High School Mock Trial Program, which teaches high school students about the law and the legal system, needs lawyers to serve as judges on Saturday, Feb. 13, at statewide locations and on Sunday, March 14, in Madison. The High School Mock Trial Program helps students learn more about the law, court procedures, and the legal system while sharpening their analytical, listening, and speaking skills.

Wauwatosa West High School takes first place for the third consecutive year in the We the People competition

This year’s competition involves a hypothetical medical malpractice case. This year’s case was written by Health Law Section members Ellen Henningsen, Madison; Dan Icenogle, Readstown; Adam Tutaj, Milwaukee; and Barbara Zabawa, Madison.

• Download a Mock Trial volunteer form.

• Members interested in being included on an on-call judges list for the Mock Trial Semifinal rounds on March 14 should contact LRE coordinator Marsha Varvil-Weld at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191, or (608) 250-6191.