Students can experience 'Moot Court' through Learning Center program

This summer, high school students can experience what it's like to argue a case before the Michigan Supreme Court, thanks to a program being offered by the Court's Learning Center. Rachael Drenovsky, the Learning Center's coordinator, explained the program features 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. "They not only learn about the legal system, but also sharpen the skills a good lawyer needs: reasoning, writing, and oral presentation." The program will be based on a real-life case: People v Carp, which was decided by the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2012 and is currently pending before the Supreme Court. At issue is how Michigan courts should handle sentencing in juvenile-lifer cases. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles violate the Eighth Amendment. Michigan and other states are considering this question. Participants will meet and work with attorneys and other legal professionals; presenters will include justices of the Michigan Supreme Court. The programs will be held at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. "Exploring Careers in the Law," is open to students entering grades 10 through 12 in fall 2013 and 2013 graduates. Participants meet July 29 - August 2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. The application deadline is Friday, May 31. The registration fee is a $75 donation to the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society Learning Center Fund. Registration is limited to 22 participants, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Amy Feinauer at 517-373-7171 or feinauera@courts.mi.gov. Applications and additional information are available at http://courts.mi.gov/education/learning-center/Documents/MootCtApp2013.pdf. Published: Fri, May 24, 2013