Feb. 26, 2010
Mock Trial Regional Competitions Occur Statewide
The Ohio Judicial Center today hosted one of nine Ohio High School Mock Trial regional competitions.
Established in 1983 by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education 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 competition 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.
Seven teams from six central Ohio high schools participated in arguments in the Supreme Court courtroom over a legally authentic case written by volunteer attorneys that involves a constitutional issue relevant to students’ own personal experiences.
The 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.
District teams competed on Feb. 5, while the state competition will take place March 11-13 in the Capital City.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.