Ohio State Bar Association President Jonathan Hollingsworth.

Ohio State Bar Association President Jonathan Hollingsworth.

Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Ohio State Bar Association President Jonathan Hollingsworth today encouraged Ohio teachers to participate in two civic education programs offered through the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE).

“Mock Trial and Moot Court are fun, innovate programs that engage students to learn about the law and how our legal system functions,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “The programs provide hands-on experiences that complement what teachers are doing in the classrooms.”

For Mock Trial, volunteer attorneys create an original case around a current constitutional issue important to students. Mock Trial teams work with an attorney or a judge to prepare their case – from both the plaintiff and defense perspective. Moot Court focuses on the appellate court process and is designed to provide students the opportunity to present a simulated oral argument and respond to questions posed by a panel of volunteer judges.

“These are worthwhile programs that help students build critical thinking and public speaking skills as they present their arguments in an actual courtroom,” Hollingsworth said. “It also presents a unique opportunity for teachers to reach students in an engaging way.”

Chief Justice O’Connor and Hollingsworth appear in two new videos that explain each case that will be presented during this year’s Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions.

“Each year, more than 4,000 students across Ohio participate in Ohio Mock Trial,” OCLRE Executive Director Lisa Eschleman said. “This program could not happen without the commitment and dedication of the hundreds of teachers who work tirelessly to ensure that the students have an enriching and rewarding experience.”

Teachers interested in finding out more about Mock Trial and Moot Court are encouraged to contact OCLRE.