Applications accepted for Supreme Court Moot Court

This summer, teachers and students can experience what it's like to argue a case before the Michigan Supreme Court, thanks to programs being offered by the Court's Learning Center. Learning Center Coordinator Rachael Drenovsky explained that both programs feature participation in a moot court, in which participants prepare and argue a case. "The goal is to have the participants experience, in a very realistic way, what it's like to argue a case before the Michigan Supreme Court," she said. "We not only learn about the legal system, but also sharpen the skills a good lawyer needs: reasoning, writing, and oral presentation. The teachers' program will focus on how educators can use moot courts as a teaching tool." Both programs will be based on a real-life case that the Supreme Court heard earlier this year. Participants will meet and work with attorneys and other legal professionals and presenters will include justices of the Michigan Supreme Court. The programs will be held at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. The high school program, "Exploring Careers in the Law," is open to students entering grades 10 through 12 in fall 2011. Participants meet June 25-29 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. The application deadline is May 11 and the registration fee is a $75 donation to the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society Learning Center Fund. The teachers' workshop, "Moot Court in your Classroom," will be held August 1-2. Teachers will receive materials appropriate for a high school audience. The application deadline is June 15, 2012. The registration fee is a $50 donation to the Learning Center Fund. Registration for each program is limited to 22 participants, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Rachael L. Drenovsky at drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov or (517) 373-5027. Applications and additional information are available at http://www.courts.mi.gov/plc/. Published: Thu, May 24, 2012