March 15, 2010
Cincinnati High School Again Wins State Mock Trial Championship
For the second straight year, Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati won the High School Mock Trial State Championship. Indian Hill will move on to the national championship tournament this spring in Philadelphia attempting to become the first Ohio team to win the national title.
Established in 1983 by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) as a statewide educational program, the Ohio Mock Trial Program is designed to help students become aware of their constitutional rights and responsibilities. Sponsors of the OCLRE include the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation.
Each year mock trial participants argue a legally authentic case written by volunteer attorneys that involves a constitutional issue relevant to students’ own personal experiences.
This year’s case (Alex Leslie v. Erehwon Local School District) analyzes the proper limitations upon students’ First Amendment rights in the digital world. Fictional high school student Alex Leslie – who enrolled in an advanced placement history class – was suspended for violating a school disciplinary code after posting comments on a blog critical of the teacher. The student sued, alleging the school impermissibly abridged off-campus speech.
For those unable to watch the final round live pitting Indian Hill against Sylvania Southview High School on the Ohio Channel on Saturday, it will be rebroadcast on the following days and times:
- At 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 18; Saturday, March 20; Friday, March 26; and Sunday, March 28
- At 5 a.m. on Friday, March 19; Sunday, March 21; Saturday, March 27; and Monday, March 29
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.