SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

In the Halls of Justice: The Educational Value of Moot Court

Advertisement

By Debra Tavaras

“May it please the court.” For the past 13 years, I’ve heard middle and high school students utter these words in a simulated moot court competition in Atlanta, GA. The competition is part of the Young Litigators Project, which provides an opportunity for youth to learn about the role of the Supreme Court, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The project educates youth on the rule of law and helps them to understand how laws directly impact their lives.

The Young Litigators Project began when I was hired by the Fulton County District Attorney’s office to develop and implement a teen court for a middle school that had a high truancy and suspension rate. Working with the school’s students, I noticed that they knew how the lower court worked, however they had limited knowledge of the Supreme Court and how its decisions can affect the entire country. I wanted to change this, and came up with the idea of developing a moot court competition among middle schools.

Through this competition, students tackle current issues like voter suppression, immigration, stand-your-ground law, police conduct, bullying, and social media, just to name a few. They collaborate with volunteer lawyers and law students to write a legal brief and present oral arguments in front of distinguished judges, the likes of which have included Georgia Supreme Court Justices, U.S. Court of Appeals Attorneys, judges, attorneys, and law professors.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

Debra Tavaras has over 30 years of experience with education and non-profits. She has served with several board of directors and was selected as the 2023 COABE State Advocate for Adult Education. She is also the founder of Soulstice Inc., a youth leadership organization that use a pro-social approach to involve youth in their school and community.

Education News

Talking Educational Equity with Bush Fellow Marvis Kilgore

A dedicated teacher and educational equity strategist, Marvis Kilgore is passionate about increasing Black male representation in teaching. In our conversation, he shares his vision for transforming education.

Student Sleep Health Week Highlights the Powerful Connection Between Sleep and Well-Being

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is hosting its sixth annual Student Sleep Health Week from September 15–19, bringing together families, educators, and community groups to highlight the importance of healthy sleep for students of all ages.

Supporting the Next Generation of AI-Native Learners

The question is no longer should students use AI, but rather: What skills do we equip students with to prepare them for a future where AI is a part of their life?

New Book Offers the First Comprehensive History of Sex Ed in America

Sex ed in schools is about much more than just health. It’s about reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equity—and it matters now more than ever.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Debra Tavaras
Debra Tavaras
Debra Tavaras has over 30 years of experience with education and non-profits. She has served with several board of directors and was selected as the 2023 COABE State Advocate for Adult Education. She is also the founder of Soulstice Inc., a youth leadership organization that use a pro-social approach to involve youth in their school and community.

Advertisement

Read More

Talking Educational Equity with Bush Fellow Marvis Kilgore

A dedicated teacher and educational equity strategist, Marvis Kilgore is passionate about increasing Black male representation in teaching. In our conversation, he shares his vision for transforming education.

Student Sleep Health Week Highlights the Powerful Connection Between Sleep and Well-Being

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is hosting its sixth annual Student Sleep Health Week from September 15–19, bringing together families, educators, and community groups to highlight the importance of healthy sleep for students of all ages.

Supporting the Next Generation of AI-Native Learners

The question is no longer should students use AI, but rather: What skills do we equip students with to prepare them for a future where AI is a part of their life?

Break the Ice: The Ultimate Back-to-School Toolkit

Here are six simple icebreaker activities, as recommended by K–12 educators, that are sure to help make this back-to-school season your best one yet.

How to Tame a Chaotic School Cafeteria: 7 Tips for Managing Lunchroom Behavior

Let’s face it—most staff don’t willingly volunteer for cafeteria duty. But with a few thoughtful tweaks, lunch doesn’t have to be the noisiest, most dreaded 30 minutes of the day.

New Book Offers the First Comprehensive History of Sex Ed in America

Sex ed in schools is about much more than just health. It’s about reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equity—and it matters now more than ever.
spin casino méxico | casino agua caliente tijuana mexico | como ganar dinero real con second life | palace station hotel and casino | ganar dinero enviando emails | quechan casino | casino olimpo | casino real victoria | juegos para ganar dinero de verdad gratis | ruleta de dinero facebook como funciona | como ganar dinero en el internet | casinos en linea bono sin deposito | casas de apuestas | casino online no deposit bonus free | casino palermo | casino angelopolis | cuantas cartas se reparten en la baraja | parlay | play city casino bolsa de trabajo | los angeles casino | ruleta gigante en power point | casino flamingo | ruleta de ganadores | ruleta aleatoria comprar | casino codere poza rica | casino quinta san antonio | ruleta de numeros del 1 al 20 online | westgate las vegas resort & casino | ruleta gratis republica dominicana | bonos gratis casino | casinos para bodas | ruleta kit kat | casino codere guadalupe nl | como ganar dinero con las acciones | formas de ganar dinero con paydiamond | hasta que numero llega la ruleta | como ganar dinero con juegos android | amazon reseñas ganar dinero | como ganar dinero en adopt me 2020 | simulador de carreras juegos | jerarquia de juegos en poker | tragamonedas de juegos en línea gratis | juegos de casino gratis tragamonedas viejas | ruleta de la vida coaching | catalonia bavaro beach golf & casino | como cambiar el número de membresía en la app de sams | caliente casino bonos | como ganar dinero con adfly 2017 | casino games online mobile |