This year, the North Carolina Mock Trial Program, in conjunction with the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism (CJCP) and the May 20th Society, will offer the chance to learn about our State’s rich history and our court system through a statewide high school moot court competition. During the competition, students will debate the existence of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (colloquially known as the “MecDec”), dated May 20, 1775.

The first round of competition will be held at four regional sites across the state on Friday, April 25. One team from each regional site will advance to the semifinals on Monday, May 19, which will be held in the federal courthouse in Charlotte. The two winning teams will advance to a final round that evening, judged by a panel of accomplished jurists led by Chief Justice Paul Newby of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

Because the high school students participating in the competition are more familiar with mock trial argument, the Program is seeking attorneys with appellate experience to mentor a team. Principally, mentors should explain appellate argument style and help students understand moot court competition. Mentors will meet with their assigned team in person or virtually once per week.

If interested, please contact Peyton Hedrick at nyd@sc.nccourts.org or (919) 831-5960 by Friday, April 4.

–Matt Leerberg