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-Editorial
It was another successful Mock Trial competition where high school students showed their talents and commitment. This annual event showcases the best of the local schools and a look at the future lawyers of this country.
This year, Vincent Memorial High School was the winner once again and will represent Imperial County at the 2023 State Finals (March 17-19 in Los Angeles).
At the Imperial County Office of Education Mock Trial Awards Ceremony held earlier this month, Imperial County Lawyers Association President Liza Barraza presented the Vincent Memorial Catholic High School Mock Trial Team with a Certificate of Achievement recognizing them for their first-place win in the 2022-2023 Imperial County Mock Trial Competition.
Teacher Coach Lourdes Ramirez accepted the award on behalf of her VMCHS Mock Trial Team.
“In years past, the Imperial County Lawyers Association (ICLA) has had the privilege to honor and recognize the winning Mock Trial teams. This year, it felt very special given that the teams were able to participate in person after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember how devastated the community felt when the State championship had to be canceled in 2020,” Barraza said. “We’ve come a long way after virtual courtroom appearances and drive-by awards ceremonies held in 2021 and 2022. Vincent Memorial Catholic High School is also my alma mater so it felt special to recognize them for their achievements. I would like to congratulate all teams that participated and I would also like to thank the various ICLA members serving our community by providing support as attorney coaches, scoring attorneys, and judges during the Mock Trial season.”
The team will present People v. Franks, the trial of Jordan Franks, a young actor who finished a run of performances of the Shakespeare adaptation Macbeth at Sea on the cruise ship Heart of the Ocean. Franks is charged with robbery and battery of Franks’ fellow actor, Billie Scher. The pretrial issue centers on the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
The state competition is coordinated by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. CRF inspires lifelong civic engagement through interactive programs and resources for teachers and youth because our democracy depends on informed participation by all.
CRF seeks to instill in the nation’s youth a lifelong commitment to the principles expressed in the Constitution. CRF does this by leveraging the commitment of teachers and amplifying the voice of young people. CRF civic education resources are interactive and non-partisan with an emphasis on civil discourse. They are research-based and aligned with standards. They aim to engage young people to become active and empowered participants in democracy.
CRF is dedicated to removing barriers, especially for underserved communities, to assure equity and justice in access to civic education. CRF is a non-profit, non-partisan, national, and community-serving organization.
