Over 300 experienced judge volunteers signed up to judge the 2008 National High School Mock Trial Championship, the Championship's 25th Anniversary.

Assignment confirmations and competition details have been sent out. If you have not received this information, or if you have any questions, please contact: Cathy James, Judge Volunteer Coordinator.

There will be 4 rounds of competition involving 44 or more teams from the United States, plus teams from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, South Korea, and Cameroon.

All rounds will be held in the state-of-the-art New Castle County Courthouse, located at 500 North King Street in the Christina Gateway Section of the City of Wilmington.

Judging Panels

In each courtroom, there will be one Presiding Judge who is responsible for maintaining order, moving the trial along in the designated time allotment, ruling on evidentiary motions, and overseeing all procedures during the trial, and three Scoring Judges who will evaluate the students' performances and be responsible for completing a score sheet based upon individual performances of each team.

Time Commitment

Each round of competition involves a 4-hour commitment, which includes a mandatory orientation prior to each round. Round assignments and case materials will be sent to confirmed judge volunteers by e-mail prior to the competition.

Judge Volunteer Report Times   Round 1 Friday, May 9, 2008. Report Time: 7:15 a.m.   Round 2 Friday, May 9, 2008. Report Time: 11:45 a.m.   Round 3 Saturday, May 10, 2008. Report Time: 7:15 a.m.   Round 4 Saturday, May 10, 2008. Report Time: 11:45 a.m.

Orientation

A mandatory orientation will be presented before each round of competition. Breakfast will be provided prior to the morning rounds, and lunch will be provided prior to the afternoon rounds.

All presiding and scoring judge volunteers must attend orientation in order to check-in, receive courtroom assignments, and to address issues that may arise from prior rounds.

Orientations as well as breakfast and lunch for judge volunteers will be held on the first floor of the Courthouse in the Jury Services Room.

All volunteers participating in more than one round are required to attend the orientation session prior to each scheduled round.

CLE Credit

Delaware lawyers are eligible for CLE credit for participation in this event. Details will be sent with your confirmation e-mail.

Out of State lawyers—please check with your CLE Commission. If you are eligible for CLE credit and need verification of your attendance, we will provide it. Please bring any appropriate forms with you to the competition.

Please join us. Complete and return the Judge Volunteer Form. Don't miss out on this opportunity to judge the 25th Anniversary Championship.

If you have any questions, you may contact Cathy James, the Judge Volunteer Coordinator.

Reception for Judge Volunteers

In appreciation of the contributions to the success of this Competition by our Judge Volunteers, we have arranged an event at Winterthur Museum & Country Estate on Friday, May 9. Transportation will be provided. Details will be e-mailed to all Judge Volunteers.