The 20th anniversary edition of the Mock Trial Competition for secondary schools including Espanola High School takes place today.
Around 70 Grade 12 law students from six Rainbow secondary schools and a team from North Bay will take part in the Sudbury Regional Mock Trial Competition at the Sudbury Courthouse focusing on an individual charged with “second degree murder”.
The prelims and finals will take place throughout the day with the awards ceremony set to present the Hennessey Cup this afternoon.
Madam Justice Hennessy continues to support this important experiential learning opportunity for students and will be present to judge the 20th anniversary championship trial this year.
The public is welcome to attend, and photographs are permitted.
The Hennessy Cup is part of the OJEN/OBA Competitive Mock Trials, a provincial program of the Ontario Bar Association and the Ontario Justice Education Network.
To the extent possible, the students enjoy an authentic learning experience presenting their cases in actual courtrooms assisted by experienced court staff. In addition to the Hennessy Cup, several other awards will be presented – Best Advocate Defense, Best Advocate Crown, Best Witness and the Civility Award for professionalism.
Students on each team will determine the recipient of the team’s “Most Valuable Player” who exemplifies leadership excellence. The Mock Trial Competition is well established within the Grade 12 Law curriculum.
In addition to meeting curriculum expectations, mock trials develop other skills in students, including public speaking, teamwork, presentation, preparation and critical thinking skills.
