The case deals with hazing. Hazing has been a university issue for years - one which never seems to go away. Is it a 'right of passage' or is it good clean fun that may turn deadly all too quickly?

Substantial changes have been made to the rules of the mock trial competition. We strongly advise each sponsor, coach and student to closely review the entire rules package prior to registering a team and prior to any competition.

We would like to recognize the following judges, attorneys, and teacher coaches for taking time out of their busy schedules to provide input to our mock trial competition improvement discussions: Mark Adams, Esq., Linda Conners, Esq., Tom Walsh, Esq., Christine Hylbert, Hon. Rebecca Kourlis, Hon. Victor Zerbi, Al Kreinberg, Marilyn Latham, Howard Tuttle, J.D., Donna Tuttle, Wendy Naylor and Russell Granger, Esq.

The goals of the Colorado High School Mock Trial Competition* remain as follows:

• to promote and further understanding of and appreciation for the judicial system, court procedures and the American judicial system;
• to improve basic skills in critical thinking, speaking, reading, reasoning and advocacy;
• to promote better communication and cooperation between the legal and education communities;
• to improve the awareness of current social and legal issues; and
• to provide an education event to support communication, cooperation and respect for students of all abilities and varying interests.

* These goals are consistent with the goals of the National High School Mock Trial Championship, Inc.

I want to thank in advance all the students, teachers and attorney coaches, judges, scoring panelists, parents and community leaders for supporting and participating in an event that you help to make successful. We wish all of you the best of luck.

Very truly yours,

Christopher Little, Esq.
Chair, CBA Law Education Committee

2002 COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

The 17^thAnnual Mock Trial Competition is a sponsored activity
of the Colorado Bar Association
Law Education Committee
Chris Little, Esq.,Chair

Organized by the
Mock Trial Subcommittee (CBA Law Education Committee)
Elsa Martinez Tenreiro, Esq., Chair

State Coordinator

David B. Ells
Director, Public Legal Education
Colorado Bar Association

Case Materials

Members of the CBA Law Education Committee
Members of the DBA Public Legal Education Committee
Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division
New Jersey State Bar Association

COLORADO MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Goals of the Colorado Mock Trial Competition

Benefits of the mock trial program extend beyond the rewards of competing against one's peers or winning a round of competition. The impact of the program is measured by successfully attaining the following objectives:

• to further understanding of court procedures and the legal system;
• to improve proficiency in the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and reasoning;
• to promote better communication and cooperation between the educational and legal communities;
• to provide a competitive event in an academic atmosphere; and
• to promote cooperation among students of various backgrounds, abilities and interests.
• to promote sportsmanship within an arena of intense team and individual competition.

Education of high school students is the primary goal of the mock trial program. Healthy competition helps to achieve this goal. However, teachers and attorney coaches are reminded of their responsibilities to keep the competitive spirit at a reasonable level. The reality of the adversary system is that one side wins and the other loses, and coaches must prepare their students to be ready to accept either outcome in a mature manner. Coaches can help prepare students for either outcome by placing the highest value on excellent preparation and presentation, rather than on winning or losing the case.

In recent years, teams have become more contentious. Not only has behavior occasionally risen to the level of mean-spirited, teams have been observed using tactics which would rarely be allowed in a court of law. Judges and scoring panelists will be oriented to be on the lookout for such behavior and to account negatively for such behavior in their scoring of performances.

Students need to be prepared to win or lose with dignity and class. Hurt, anger, and frustration are not the objectives of the mock trial program. We hope students will view the event as a fun and exciting learning experience. An admonition to all students, sponsors, and coaches: "Lighten up and have a good time regardless of the outcome of the competition."

2001/2002 Mock Trial Dates to Remember

* Schools are requested to register only those teams they plan to take to regional tournaments and NOT to register multiple teams if the intent is to drop teams as they approach tournament time. Dropping teams places a difficult burden on tournament coordinators, especially when doing so results in uneven numbers of teams in tournament fields. An uneven number of teams in a tournament field results in each team having to sit out one round, and requires the coordinator to schedule an additional round. It may also result in both volunteer and courtroom issues. Some states opt to disqualify schools that drop teams at the last minute. The CBA chooses not to do that. Rather, it requests that you register only those teams that you expect will compete in your regional tournament.

The team sponsor is responsible for completing the registration process, i.e., responsible for not only the application but also the registration fee. If your school/district requires an invoice for payment, use the announcement brochure as the invoice for that purpose.

** This deadline is established in order to provide the regional tournament coordinators the necessary time in which to reserve courtroom facilities and to schedule volunteers to judge and score the trial rounds.