State Bar Litigation Section Funds Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament

The Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan [recently] presented a $5,000 check to the Michigan Center for Civic Education to support the 2011-2012 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament. Steve Fox, Secretary of the Litigation Section, stated that they were very pleased to continue their long-standing support of the competition. Fox noted that it was particularly fitting that trial lawyers provide both financial support and personal time to insure the continued success of the State’s mock trial program. Over the years, the Litigation Section has been one of the largest benefactors of the competition, contributing $32,000 since 2003. Fox added that support should also come from other sections of the State Bar as well, challenging them to become annual benefactors of the Michigan Center for Civic Education.

The Michigan Center for Civic Education has conducted the Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament since the early 1980’s. The program is designed to re-enact what takes place in a trial court. Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses and compete against each high school teams in real courtrooms in front of real judges and lawyers. While the students take on roles, there is no set script. As in a debate, participants must adjust to the strategies employed by the opposing side.

“Although the MHSMTT could not exist without the support and involvement of lawyers,” added Start, “lawyers tell us that they get more than a return on their investment of time. One of the volunteers this year told me “I was truly impressed with the performance of all of the students I observed, and think that the program as a whole is providing a great service to high school aged students, and a wonderful opportunity for practitioners to interface with young people in the community.”

The Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan provides education, information and analysis about issues of concern through meetings, seminars, this site, public service programs, and publication of a newsletter. Membership in the Section is open to all members of the State Bar of Michigan.