Mock trial is a scholastic competition between both public and private schools throughout the CNMI. The CNMI High School Mock Trial competition was started in 1999 by the CNMI Bar Association and former Justice Ramon Villagomez as a way to further the understanding and appreciation of the judicial system. This year, the mock problem is the civil fictitious case of Palacios v. Oscar A. Romero Public High School. Each participating school receives the fictitious case file complete with witness statements, exhibits, rules of evidence, and an abbreviated law library. Teams composed of 6-10 students have spent months practicing with the assistance of their volunteer attorney and teacher coaches to prepare for the competition.
During the mock trial competition, students will portray the role of attorneys and witnesses and must present both sides of the case as the plaintiff and defense. The students will be judged based on their knowledge of the evidence and ability to present a logical and persuasive case. CNMI judges and attorneys serve as the presiding judges and jurors/evaluators. The winning team will travel to Phoenix, Arizona on May 5-7 to represent the CNMI in the National High School Mock Trial Competition. Mt. Carmel High School is the defending champion.
Sponsors of the event include Fiesta Resort and Spa, Pacific Trading Company, Herman’s Modern Bakery, NMI Judiciary Historical Society, Joeten Enterprises, Coca Cola, Hyatt Regency Hotel, National Office Supply, Pacific Islands Club, IT&E, J’s Restaurant, Marianas Resort and Spa, Top Notch, Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Sen. Pete P. Reyes, Reps. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, Joseph M. Palacios and Ramon A. Tebuteb as well as the Public School System .
The public is welcome to attend.
