West Michigan attorney participates as judge in Michigan High School Mock Trial Competition

Published April 03, 2019 in General News

Attorney Adam Bancroft served as a mock trial judge for the annual Michigan High School Mock Trial competition. ​Organized by the Michigan Center for Civic Education, a Regional Competition was held for the Kent County area at the 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids.

Mock trials are designed to teach content and appreciation of our judicial system and reenact much of what might take place in a trial court. Students take on the roles of plaintiff and defense attorneys and witnesses. They compete against each other in actual courtrooms in front of real judge lawyers with the opportunity to interpret legal documents and witness statements, and take on roles and simulate a trial in real life and real time. Students adjust to the strategies employed by the opposing side. Mock trials draw upon historical events, trials of contemporary interest, school or classroom situations, or hypothetical and entertaining fact patterns to inspire students to think critically and creatively about the law. The mock trials offer participating students an opportunity to think on their feet. The ultimate mission of the Michigan Center for Civic Education is to promote and support the development of engaged, responsible citizens through law-related and civic education.

As a volunteer judge, Adam enjoyed working with a team of bright, articulate Kent County high school students as they learned more about our legal system and considered the possibility of a future legal career.