The Macomb County Bar Foundation and the Michigan Center for Civic Education are involved once again in sponsoring the Macomb County Regional High School Mock Trial Tournament.
The volunteer judges for Saturday’s event include Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano, Macomb County Circuit Court Judges Kathryn Viviano, Joseph Toia and Kathryn George as well as retired Circuit Court Judge John Foster.
Also taking part will be Probate Court Judge Carl Marlinga 37th District Court Judge John Chmura, 42-2 District Court Judge William Hackel III, 40th District Court Judges Mark Fratarcangeli and Joseph Oster and 37th District Court Judge Matthew Sabaugh.
They will be joined by more than 40 volunteer attorneys.
The teams participating in this weekend’s regional competition are the Macomb County courthouse in Mt. Clemens are: Anchor Bay High School, Lakeview High School, Capac High School, Lutheran High North
High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, Memphis High School, De Le Salle Collegiate High School, Richmond High School and St. Clair High School.
Macomb County Bar Association Executive Director Rick Troy said the mock trial is designed to reenact much of what might take place in a trial court.
Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses and compete against each other in real courtrooms in front of real judges and lawyers.
But while the students take on roles, there is no set script, Troy noted.
As in a debate, participants must adjust to the strategies employed by the opposing side.
In general, mock trials draw upon historical events, trials of contemporary interest, school or classroom situations, or hypothetical and entertaining fact patterns.
Guided by volunteer attorneys and high school teachers, teams of high school students prepare for the tournament for months in advance.
The case this year revolves around allegations that a bullying victim resorted to criminal actions in response to perceived mistreatment by peers.
The Michigan Center for Civic Education has conducted the tournament since 1982 with a focus on bringing law-related civic education to students through a challenging, stimulating and educational event.
The winners of the regional competition will advance to the state finals March 19 in Lansing.
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