HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — On March 10, aspiring lawyers were put to the test as the Judiciary of Guam hosted its second Mock Trial Friendship Tournament, featuring Southern High School and Academy of Our Lady of Guam versus Marianas High School from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Superior Court Judges Arthur Barcinas and John Terlaje presided over the mock trial matches, which were held in the judges’ respective courtrooms.
“The Guam-CNMI Mock Trial Friendship Tournament underscores the commitment of our legal community to our future lawyers,” said Administrator of the Courts Danielle Rosete. “This is our second friendship tournament, and we are looking forward to more opportunities our students can have to enrich their legal interest.”
The mock trial features teams engaging in simulated proceedings, allowing the participants to collaborate and role-play as attorneys, witnesses and jurors in a courtroom under the guidance of judges, legal professionals and educators. The team-building experience gives students a chance to create their opening statements, witness examinations and closing arguments, as well as enhance their critical thinking and public speaking skills, according to a press release for the Judiciary.
In addition to the mock trial tournament, a certificate presentation was held for participating students and volunteers who served as teacher and attorney coaches and judges. Gift bags, courtesy of the Guam Visitors Bureau, were also presented to the visiting Saipan mock trial team.
“The tournament was a terrific opportunity for our Guam and CNMI teams’ bright, rising stars to engage in a friendly and fun competition, showcase their talents and prepare them for national championship matches,” said Joleen Respicio, state coordinator. “We’re so proud of them. Their hard work and dedication really shine through their performances.”
Participants of the second Mock Trial Friendship Tournament featuring Southern High School, Academy of Our Lady of Guam and Marianas High School gather for a photo in a Superior Court of Guam courtroom.
