Students representing 38 teams from elementary and high schools across South Carolina demonstrated their courtroom skills in the SC Bar Regional’s first joint mock trial competition on February 26th and 27th. competition – in the light of the ongoing pandemic.
“The Mock Trial is an incredible program that has a lasting impact on the lives of our participants – students, teachers, training lawyers and judges,” said Cynthia H. Cothran, director of Law Related Education (LRE) at the Carolina Bar Association. South. “With this year’s added virtual component, all participants are showing their determination and perseverance to overcome life’s challenges and succeed in something they like to do. We hope that everyone has a memorable competition experience. “
The students held the positions of lawyers, witnesses, bailiffs and timekeepers in the case of fictitious negligence, Corey Stark v Springs Park, Inc. Demonstrating mastery of their duties, the students presented the case before a panel of volunteer lawyers and judges from all corners of the state. Each team was judged on their presentation skills, rather than the legal merits of the case. Participating schools included CE Murray Middle and High.
The State High School Competition will be held virtually from 11 to 13 March, with a total of the 12 best teams advancing in regional competitions, and the State Champion will compete in the virtual National Competition from 8 to 9 May. High schools will not participate in a state competition.
The Mock Trial Program is sponsored by the LRE Division of SC Bar, which was developed in 1976 to improve the ability of teachers to provide education related to the law. The program is supported by the LRE Committee of the Bar Association and made possible through a grant from the SC Bar Foundation Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts and SC Bar. The program cultivates an understanding of the legal system, as well as critical thinking, analytical skills problems and teamwork.
About South Carolina Bar:
The South Carolina Bar is a state organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law and the administration of justice for all South Carolinaians. It serves more than 17,000 member lawyers and provides resources for educators and citizens of the State of Palmetto.