The Park School emerged victorious in the 2017 Mock Trial State Championship, as announced by Maryland Court of Appeals Judge Michele D. Hotten. The final competition was held at the historic Court of Appeals and featured The Park School from Baltimore County and Baltimore City College High School.
Judge Hotten praised the participants, stating, “I was honored to preside over the Maryland Mock Trial Championship this year. The stellar performances of these teams reflected a tremendous amount of dedication, hard work, preparation and confidence. I applaud the pinnacle of success these finalists have achieved and the sportsmanship exhibited by both teams during the mock trial.”
This year's case, Maryland v. Saratoga, focused on environmental justice issues related to contaminated water supplies, inspired by the Flint, Michigan crisis. Students examined a mock case involving criminal charges against a school superintendent due to high lead levels in drinking fountains.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera highlighted the educational value of such programs: “The Maryland Judiciary has an honored tradition of working with the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and the Citizenship Law Related Education Program (CLREP) to educate students and the public about the judicial branch of government.”
The mock trial competition relies on judges, magistrates, and attorneys who volunteer their time to coach teams and score competitions at various levels. Since its inception in 1983, over 62,000 students from across Maryland have participated.
Judge Harry C. Storm noted the benefits for legal professionals: “Mock trials provide an excellent opportunity for state and local bar associations to connect with students and the community.”
Semifinals took place at Anne Arundel County's Circuit Court with Judges Timothy E. Meredith and Douglas R. M. Nazarian presiding. Semifinalists included Baltimore City College High School; Bishop Walsh High School; The Park School; and Winston Churchill High School.
Shelley Brown from CLREP expressed gratitude for support from legal professionals: “Their involvement and enthusiasm creates a unique, authentic educational experience for nearly two thousand Maryland students and teachers every year.”
Coordinated by CLREP alongside MSBA and Maryland Judiciary, high school teams compete multiple times before reaching state finals.
Follow updates from Maryland Judiciary on Twitter.