Will You Qualify as a Judge for the National Competition in May?
To qualify as a judge during the national championship, which is in Madison from May 8 to 10, lawyers must have experience judging at least two rounds of mock trial in the past five years. A great way to get some judging practice is by volunteering at a regional or semifinal competition.
Dec. 18, 2013 – The Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Program needs volunteer lawyers and judges at statewide locations on Saturday, Feb. 8, and in Madison on Sunday, March 9. Volunteer shifts are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1 to 6 p.m.
The Mock Trial program provides high school students with an opportunity to act as attorneys and witnesses in a court case developed by State Bar members. The students – in teams of six to 12 – argue a criminal case before a panel of volunteer attorneys and judges in the regional competitions. The winners advance to the semifinals in Madison, and the two finalists appear before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the final state-level competition.
The Case
Taylor Hamilton was driving his Mom’s car on the night of the big game. Alex Cooper left the game early because the team was losing, as usual. Alex cut through the woods on foot and started to cross Nash Street, behind the high school. Taylor’s car and Alex collided, Alex was badly injured. Was Taylor careful enough or was he distracted by friends and a text message? Did Alex’s hoodie cause a problem or did he exercise caution in crossing the road?
Volunteer by Jan. 17
The deadline to volunteer for the regional and state tournaments is Jan. 17. The Deadline to volunteer for the national tournament is April 18.
To volunteer, contact the State Bar Public Education Program Manager at PubEdCoordinator@wisbar.org or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6191.
