Upper school students in Mr. Janick and Mr. Liu’s U.S. Government classes participated in the DC Circuit Court Historical Society’s Mock Court Competition on Friday, March 12. Students argued First and Fourth Amendment cases before District Judge Randolph Moss. They responded to challenging questions about search and seizure law of students’ homes by schools with a mock case. Sterling Marchand, a partner at the Baker Botts law firm, also gave students direct individualized feedback on their performance in “court,” evaluating their argument, their use of supporting evidence, and their ability to answer questions. Washington Latin sophomores Michaela Irving and Cooper Davenport were awarded “Outstanding Advocate” titles.
The program was done virtually this year and allowed students to develop public speaking and rhetorical skills while learning about the workings of one of the key branches of government. Many of these students visited courtrooms as eighth graders for a field trip to the D.C. Superior Court.