In the 2026 Ohio Mock Trial competition, students will explore questions of privacy, consent, technology, and justice; arguing both sides of a preliminary hearing that combines forensic science, emerging technology, and the Fourth Amendment. In 2000, 24-year-old Caleb “CJ” Jansen, a warehouse worker, was found strangled in his apartment. A violent struggle left DNA under the victim’s fingernails, but no match was found, and the case went cold. Twenty-five years later, high school student Frankie Moyo uploaded their DNA to a genealogy site for extra credit and unknowingly triggered a chain of events that lead police straight to Morgan Remy, a former security guard at CJ’s workplace. Not only is Remy’s DNA a match, but police also discover CJ’s long-missing gold signet ring hidden in Remy’s home. Remy’s defense team filed a motion to suppress the genetic genealogy evidence, arguing that the police violated the Fourth Amendment by using a third party’s DNA without a warrant. The court must now decide: Is this powerful new investigative tool a breakthrough or a constitutional overreach? As high school students from the greater Cincinnati area prepare to argue this case problem, we need the help of our amazing CBA colleagues to provide guidance, feedback, and perspective.  

We are excited to be hosting this year’s competition at the Hamilton County Courthouse. We appreciate all the efforts that were put in by our legal community in helping us with last year’s competition. The Cincinnati Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section is looking for more than 60 volunteer lawyers for the 2026 Mock Trial Competition. Local attorneys give back to the community by sharing knowledge and enthusiasm for the practice of law as volunteer judges in the competition. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or have no experience with the Mock Trial competition, your assistance is critical to the success of the program.  

 For more than 30 years, this program has given students a practical introduction to the justice system, the Constitution, and the legal process by giving them the opportunity to participate in mock trials as either lawyers or witnesses. Over the course of the simulated trial, students present opening statements, cross-examine, are cross-examined, and more.    

 The Cincinnati Bar Association will, once again, host the district and regional competitions for greater Cincinnati. For this to be successful, volunteer attorneys are vital to preside as judges over both rounds of competition. During the trial, judges observe, grade, and provide feedback on the performances of the students. The level of dedication and enthusiasm from the students is always impressive. Students truly appreciate the participation and thoughts of local attorneys. You can be a part of this exciting opportunity to impact local high school students. 

The program is sponsored locally by the Cincinnati Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and fully endowed by the Cincinnati Bar Foundation. More than 350 students from approximately 22 area high schools participate each year.  As co-chairs of the Young Lawyer Section’s Mock Trial Committee, Jacob Harrod (Legal Counsel, Fifth Third Bank) and Kathleen Byrne (Associate Attorney, Jacobs Kleinman Seibel & McNally Co. L.P.A.) encourage each of you to take this opportunity to be involved and support local students interested in the practice of law.  

 For more information on the 2026 case, please visit the Ohio Center for Law Related Education’s website at https://www.oclre.org/aws/OCLRE/pt/sp/hsmt. If you have enjoyed judging in the past or wish to become even more engaged with a high school mock trial team, consider becoming a legal advisor. Please contact the Ohio Center for Law Related Education at 614-485-3507 for more information. 

We hope you will join us! – Jacob and Kat