Page 24 - March-April-CBA-Report

COVID-19 On the Docket
for Annual Mock Trial
Local high schoolers argued on pandemic regulations
Over the course of four days in late January, several Greater Cincinnati high school students competed virtually in the district level Ohio Mock Trial competition. This year’s case centered on analyzing, under the Takings Clause, regulations passed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Each team argued both sides of the case in two separate rounds of competition.
Through the annual Ohio Mock Trial competition, high school students learn about the legal system, crafting logical arguments, public speaking, the importance of thor- ough preparation, and how to think quickly in changing circumstances. These lessons are possible through the countless hours of legal advisors, parents, and teachers who guide the students through the competition.
While the Cincinnati Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Section traditionally hosts the district and regional competitions each year, due to the very same COVD-19, the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (“OCLRE”) hosted this year’s virtual competition on Zoom. Regardless the format, the Ohio High School Mock Trial program still provided its participants with a unique and memorable experience. In Ohio, the Mock Trial program is the largest competitive, non-athletic program.
The district competition was the first of three rounds culminating in the state compe- tition. The OCLRE will also host the virtual regional competition on February 18, 2022, where teams will compete for a chance at the state competition on March 10-12, 2022. For up-to-date results or to volunteer for the regional or state competition, please visit www.oclre.org.
None of these accomplishments would be possible without the many volunteers from the Cincinnati legal community. We had a great number of local attorneys and law students volunteer their time and energy as judges. Without your volunteer hours, this competition would not be possible. hank you.
Local attorneys have also devoted countless hours as legal advisors for each team. In this role, the volunteer attorneys commit to working with the students to develop and hone their advocacy skills. For the students who participate, the legal advisors play a significant part in each students’ high school education.We are very grateful for your continued commitment and hard work as representatives of this legal community.
Finally, we would like to thank the Cincinnati Bar Association, especially Jamie Shiv- erdecker, whose work behind the scenes in the months leading up to the competition are invaluable and make this whole event possible.
By Chelsea Chalk & Kristin Riebsomer
Greater Cincinnati Volunteers:
Samantha Berten Kevin Carter Chelsea Chalk Steven Dauterman Christine Duraney Tawanda Edwards Renee Filiatraut Brian Flick Michael Glennon Hannah Haddad Joseph Heyd Alexis Hogya Maria Hooker Amy Kurlansky
Beth Mandel Hon. Jerry McBride Michael Neltner Stephen Otte Charles Reynolds Kristin Riebsomer Liane Rousseau Benjamin Sandlin Tom Sapinsley Jade Stewart Ebun Taiwo Max Williams Alisé Wilson
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THE REPORT | March/April 2022 | CincyBar.org