Dec. 1, 2014 – Jamie Covington, a third year law student, shot and killed their roommate, Dallas Lawson, when Lawson was entering the apartment through a bathroom window. Did Covington shoot Lawson in self-defense or was there an ulterior motive?
It’s a case that seasoned lawyers would find daunting even after law school and years of professional experience, but high schoolers will tackle the difficult issues presented in this fictional case just released as part of the Wisconsin Mock Trial 2015 competition.
The Mock Trial program provides high school students with an opportunity to act as attorneys and witnesses in a court case that has been developed by State Bar members. Students – in teams of six to 12 – gain a deeper understanding of the court system as they develop their arguments and build their cases.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Analyze and prepare a case
- Present as a witness
- Argue their assigned role
- Receive input and feedback from attorneys and judges
Attorney Andrea Gage, is the public relations coordinator at the State Bar of Wisconsin. She can be reached at org agage wisbar wisbar agage org, or by phone at (608) 250-6025.
The Wisconsin Mock Trial regional tournaments are scheduled for February 14, 2015, with semi-final and final competitions slated for March 7 & 8, 2015.
The success of the Mock Trial program depends on the volunteer efforts of attorneys like you. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact State Bar Public Education Program Manager Katie Wilcox at PubEdCoordinator@wisbar.org or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191.
