The student attorneys raised some serious civil rights questions in court. Did authorities violate a student's rights after accusing her of vandalism and searching her backpack? Did they violate her constitutional rights when they removed her artwork from a public display?
After extensive deliberation, a panel of judges hearing the fictional case ruled that the Christian Brothers High School (Team 2) attorneys made the most convincing arguments and ruled that team was the winner of the 2014 Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Moot Court competition. Bella Vista High School (Team 1) was awarded second place. Bella Vista High School (Team 2) and Mira Loma High School (Team 3) tied for third place.
Third District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Vance W. Raye, Associate Justice Elena J. Duarte, and Associate Justice Ronald B. Robie from the 3rd District Court of Appeal presided over the final case.
The Moot Court competition is an appellate-level proceeding in which high school students prepare and argue a case before a three-judge panel. The judges evaluate participants on the quality and persuasiveness of their legal reasoning and presentation, as well as their unscripted responses to spontaneous questions from the bench. The competition provides students the opportunity to learn about constitutional law and develop crucial public speaking and debate skills.
Competing teams from Sacramento County high schools:
- Bella Vista High School (2 teams)
- Christian Brothers High School (2 teams)
- Franklin High School (2 teams)
- Kennedy High School
- McClatchy High School
- Mira Loma High School (3 Teams)
- Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Charter High School
The Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Moot Court competition is sponsored by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) in an effort to educate young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society.