Organizers of an annual college-level mock trial are seeking judges, attorneys, law students, and past competitors to volunteer to serve as judges for an October event, which historically draws teams from across the country.

The Scarlet & Gray Invitational is a tournament that has been organized through Ohio State University’s Mock Trial club for more than 20 years. Along with Ohio State University, the organizers expect other teams from Ohio and the Midwest to participate this year in the tournament, including Penn State University, Miami University, Northwestern University, University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, Indiana University, and University of Dayton.

Mock trials give students a hands-on learning opportunity to develop academic, professional, and personal skills through the simulation of a trial. Participating in a mock trial builds students’ skills in critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, research, civic literacy, and more. Volunteer judges make the experience authentic to the participants.

According to the club’s invitation seeking volunteer judges, the Ohio State tournament will be held at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus on Oct. 24 and 25. There are 26 judges needed for each round of competition, totaling more than 100 judging slots to be filled.

Competition rounds will be held on:

• Saturday, Oct. 24 at 9 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8:45 a.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:45 p.m.

Trials last approximately 2.5 hours. The organizers noted that orientation and training are held 45 minutes prior to each round to help build volunteer comfort with the event and process. They invite volunteers to register for one or more shifts. 

To register to judge the competition, complete the Scarlet & Gray Invitational Judge Registration Form. For more about the tournament, visit the Ohio State Mock Trial organization’s website. 

Engaging in mock trial competition is one way to learn more about a career in law. The Supreme Court of Ohio promotes careers in law in several ways, including at an exhibit in the Supreme Court’s Visitor Education Center at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. Visitors to the exhibit can explore descriptions of various legal careers to match all kinds of interests and skills. To learn more about the Court or the education center’s many opportunities to understand the judicial branch, schedule a tour by emailing CourtTours@sc.ohio.gov.