For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Jason Westphal
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6077
jwestphal@wisbar.org |
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State Bar takes high school students to court
MADISON, February 5, 2003 - After months of
preparation, students representing both public and private high schools
from across the state will kick-off the 20th Annual Wisconsin High
School Mock Trial Tournament this weekend with regional competitions at
16 different locations statewide (Full
list of 2003 Mock Trial Regional Sites/Teams).
The High School Mock Trial Tournament is designed to develop and test
critical thinking and public speaking skills while exposing students to
the atmosphere of a real-life trial situation. Teams of six to 12
students will argue a case before a panel of three mock trial judges
consisting of actual judges and attorneys. This year's simulated trial
is a criminal case that involves the battery of a student apparently
instigated by the defendant's perception of the victim's sexual
orientation.
"Wisconsin lawyers are committed to providing law-related education
in the classroom to foster public trust in the system," notes State Bar
President Patricia Ballman. "The Mock Trial Competition is a positive
way for students to experience the legal process first-hand."
The tournament is made possible by the efforts of hundreds of
volunteer attorneys and judges, and is funded with grants from the
Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, Wisconsin Law Foundation and the
Wisconsin Council for Social Studies.
The winning team from each of the regional competitions will advance
to the state competition in Madison on March 9 and 10. The winning state
team will represent Wisconsin in the National Mock Trial Championship in
New Orleans, Louisiana in May. Last year's state champion, Rhinelander
High School, went on to finish fifth at the National High School Mock
Trial Championship.
For more information on Mock Trial, visit www.legalexplorer.com or
contact Dee Runaas at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191.
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