Beltrami County District Court judges recently held a special event to recognize the Bemidji High School Mock Trial team's progression to the state-level competition. The celebration took place at the Beltrami County Judicial Center.
"We are honored to invite the Bemidji High School Mock Trial Team into the Beltrami County Judicial Center to commemorate their success as a team," stated Judge Annie Claesson-Huseby. "Mock trial is about so much more than a faux trial: it is an opportunity for courthouses across the state to open their doors to the leaders of tomorrow."
The event was attended by judges from across Beltrami County, members of the Bemidji High School Mock Trial team, their coaches, school faculty, and representatives from the Minnesota State Bar Association. During the ceremony, team members received certificates and gavel pencils. Special court-themed cookies were also prepared for them.
"As they commence from high school, we hope that students choose majors and consider professions within the Judicial Branch," Judge Claesson-Huseby expressed. "After all, today’s high school students will be the people charged with upholding the pillars of justice for generations to come."
The Mock Trial program is organized by the Minnesota State Bar Association and involves teams of 8-to-14 high school students who simulate real trials. This competition helps students gain insight into how judges, lawyers, and juries handle legal cases. Legal professionals throughout Minnesota volunteer as judges for these competitions.