2014_OCLRE_WinterReporter

7/27/2019 2014_OCLRE_WinterReporter

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ReporterSUPREME COURT OF OHIO | THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OHIO

OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION | ACLU OF OHIO FOUNDATIONSPONSORS

There is a limit tohow muchsecrecy a democracycan stand.

Lets start with the obvious: Ademocracy needs intelligence agencies.It needs to know whats happening inthe worldand understand the plans ofallies and enemiesto keep the nationprepared and secure.

If intelligence work is going to beeffective, much of it has to be done insecret. National security is not merelyan excuse for keeping intelligenceactivity under wraps: often, the only wayto protect our collective well-being is topursue many national security activities,including intelligence-gathering, inthe dark.

But thats if theyre legitimately inthe national interest. All too often,governments use secrecy to protect

themselves politically or to shroudactivities that, seen in the cold light ofday, their citizens would reject. Thisis why secrecy in government can bedangerous, and should be subjectto the checks and balances of ourconstitutional system.

However legitimate secrecy maybe, there is a limit to how much ademocracy can stand. As ordinarycitizens, we need information aboutwhat our government is up to in orderto make informed and discriminatingchoices about politicians and policies.

Journalists and their media outletsare indispensable conveyors of thisinformation. The work of the journalist,who often presses for a more open,accountable government, createstensions with a government set uponguarding state secrets. But its a healthy,much-needed tension.

This brings us to Edward Snowdensrevelations to the press about theNational Security Agency and its vastefforts to monitor communications.Around Washington, Snowden is

routinely excoriated, and hes none toopopular in the country at large, either.But whether hes a hero or a criminalin your book, theres no question thatbecause of him, we know far moreabout the surveillance our governmenthas been carrying out. The expansion ofgovernment power that the leaks revealis without precedent in the modern era.Technology, along with the surveillanceand monitoring it enables, has clearly

outrun the policies to deal with it.

Although many commentators haveraised questions about Snowdensleaks, the journalists who have dug

into the NSA files he provided aredoing the job that democracy dependson them to do: getting informationthat details government actions andprompting a badly needed debate. Itsone of the most important ways to holdgovernment accountable for the use ofits power. Our ability to judge whether itacted appropriately or abusively and toact as responsible citizens is buttressedby journalists who are skilled at findingand keeping confidential sources, who

know how to dig through copiousrecords or amounts of data, who havelearned how to build a story from a tipor a leak, and who are accurate, honest,rigorous and fair-minded.

Now, I dont want to whitewashwhats happening in the media rightnow. There are plenty of worrisometrends. As a whole, media outlets areless interested than they used to be inaccuracy, objectivity and solid coverage,and more interested in advocacy,persuasion, and entertainment. Evenat the largest papers, cutbacks have

Dogged Journalism Is A Blessing, Not A CurseBy Lee Hamilton Originally published November 20, 2013; reprinted with permission

Issue 1Winter 2014

reined in their ability to cover the worldand to launch expensive investigativework. The recent rise of alternativessuch as the non-profit ProPublica andthe investigative reporting venture justannounced by eBay founder PierreOmidyarmay go some distance towardrecovering whats been lost, but theyrealso an acknowledgement that we havelost ground.

And weve done so precisely at atime when we face a real challenge inconstraining the reach of government intoour lives. Its powers of monitoring andsurveillance are astonishing and are beingused aggressively. It is classifying secretinformation wholesale, it is vigorouslyseeking to prosecute leaks, and it is tryingto intimidate journalists; all of these aresigns of a national security state that isdetermined to bulk up.

Congress is only now beginning tostir; until recently, it has been a passiveand willing participant in secrecy. At amoment like this, we have to dependmore than ever on the curiosity, skill anddetermination of good reporters to spurthe kind of debate we should be havingas our society tries to strike the rightbalance between security and freedom.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Centeron Congress at Indiana University. Hewas a member of the U.S. House ofRepresentatives for 34 years.

The smarter the journalistsare, the better off society is.For to a degree, people read thepress to inform themselvesand the better the teacher,the better the student body.

Warren Buffett

IN THIS ISSUE

Teachable Moment .................... 2

OCLRE programs go virtual ... 3

Request for Proposals: Law

& Citizenship Conference ....... 4

Mock Trial News ........................ 5

InspirED ....................................... 8

Lessons on President Power .. 9
http://congress.indiana.edu/http://congress.indiana.edu/http://congress.indiana.edu/http://congress.indiana.edu/


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Youth for Justice is an educationalprogram that encourages studentsto look at local issues of injustice andintolerance, whether in the school,neighborhood or the larger community.Students identify issues of concern, andthrough investigation, problem solvingand creative thinking develop a strategicplan to combat the problem. Youth forJustice team members look at issuesthat cannot be impacted by legislationbut attempt to find solutions that willeither change attitudes, practices, andbeliefs or bring awareness to particularproblems. Teams have tackled bullying,cliques, disrespect, peer pressure, graffition school walls, gangs and drug use inthe neighborhood. Lets face itthereare few examples of cooperation andcivility for students to emulate. Learning

cooperation, respect for differingopinions, compromise and problemsolving are major components of awell-rounded education and necessaryfor an effective citizenry! And talk aboutmemorable moments. Not only do thestudents take the memories of theiraccomplishments well into adulthood,but the skills and practices they learnedas well.

You must be the change youwish to see in the world.

Mahatma GandhiLet me repeat: At OCLRE we believe thatgetting students involved in the processof government before graduationallows them to be better prepared foractive citizenship. Imagine your studentseither affecting public policy or beingchampions for policy change. With theemphasis on project-based learning,how about a project that allows studentsto really discover their roles as citizenswith real-life experiences? It doesnt getmuch better than that! Project Citizenprovides the step by step process for

students to effect change and make itstick. Examining problems, evaluatingalternatives, developing a policy andexecuting an action plan are the keycomponents of Project Citizen. Duringthe process, students evaluate currentand proposed public policy, interviewelected and other government officialsand survey peers and communitymembers. Project Citizen studentshave taken their action plans for policychanges to local school boards, tocity and village councils, to countycommissioners and even to the OhioGeneral

Assembly. Students have changed thetraffic patterns around their school,made playgrounds safer with thepurchase of new equipment, hadcrossing signals installed at a dangerousrailroad crossing, and even convinced alocal school board to replace Styrofoam-based cafeteria trays with trays made ofbiodegradable sugarcane. Did I mentionthe Project Citizen students who testifiedat an Ohio House legislative hearing ontheir topic Texting While Driving andwere present when the bill was signedinto law by Governor Kasich?

Both Youth for Justice and ProjectCitizen are aligned to Ohios NewLearning Standards for Social Studies andEnglish/Language Arts and have beenused across the curriculum in classrooms

from second grade to grade 12. Bothprograms are ideal for after-schoolgroups, community youth centers andthe flipped classroom. The Center offersno cost professional development at youschool / district if there are five or moreinterested teachers and one is an OCLREmember. Available from the Center arethe necessary instructional materials:The Youth for Justice Handbook and theProject Citizen text.

Do it locally. Do it virtually.In the spring of 2014, OCLRE willsponsor the first on-line Youth for Justice

Summit and Project Citizen Showcase.YFJ and PC teams are encouragedto use technology to document theirprojects, submitting lots of video and/orphotographs of the project preparationand also of presentations made locally.The documentation will be featured onspecial pages on the OCLRE website.After project evaluators review and assessthe projects, awards and certificates willbe sent to the participants. Displayingthe projects on-line will give so manymore people the opportunity to see whatyoung people are doing to truly makea difference in their communities. Foradditional information, visit the OCLREwebsite www.oclre.orgor contact JaredReitz [email protected] direct at (614)485-3506.

How wonderful it is thatnobody need wait a singlemoment before starting toimprove the world.

Anne Frank

by Jared Reitz,OCLRE directorof programs

That teachablemomentateacher knowswhen it happens.Most often it is an

unexpected event, question or reactionthat allows the teacher to seize themoment and offer insight to his or herstudents. It is difficult to plan teachablemoments. However, equally effectiveand definitely planned by the teacherare memorable moments. They are themoments which students will rememberwell into adulthood because there wasa lasting impact. In sports, it could bebesting the school record, winning the

championship game or having a personalbestthank you, coach. Memorablemoments are most often the result ofhard work, and considerable; they canbe a source of well-deserved pride.Here at the Center, we are keenly awarethat students who participate in MockTrial and We the People have manymemorable moments as a result of theirhard work, study and investment in whatthey have learned.

Two other OCLRE programs impactstudents in ways that are memorablebecause they have allowed students

to develop good citizenship skills whilemaking a difference. When studentsgraduate from high school, they areproficient at reading, writing andbasic math, or so wed like to think.The question is, upon graduation arestudents proficient at being good citizensor does that have to wait until theyexperience the real world? At OCLRE,we believe that allowing students toparticipate in the government processis the best way teach them to be activeand engaged citizens.

Its universal lawintolerance is the rst sign ofan inadequate education. Anill-educated person behaveswith arrogant impatience,whereas a profound

education breeds humanity.

Aleksander Solzhenitsyn

TEACHABLE MOMENT

Making a Difference Creates Memorable Moments
http://www.oclre.org/mailto:jreitz%40oclre.org?subject=mailto:jreitz%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/


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Were excited and we hope you will be too! Youth for Justice and

Project Citizenare going virtual. The 2014 YFJ Summit and the

PC Showcase will be hosted online at the Centers website an

opportunity for more people to see what powerful things youthcan do to positively impact their communities.

Photos and videos of the students in action locally will be displayed

on Youth for Justice Summit and Project Citizen Showcase

pages. Just as before, projects will be reviewed by project

evaluators, awards will be given and funds will be available for

project completion. And, if you want to bring your team(s) to

Columbus, well meet you at the Statehouse and also invite your

representative for an awards ceremony.

Please visit www.oclre.orgfor important dates and deadlines. If

you need additional information or have any questions, please

contact Jared Reitz at [email protected] direct at (614) 485-3506.

Youth for Justice is funded in part by a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

On November 5 & 6, 2013, 24 teachers from around the state

convened in Columbus to take part in OCLREs Ohio Government

in Action conference. Participants were immersed in state

government where they observed oral arguments before theSupreme Court of Ohio, sat in on a session before the Ohio

Senate and even had a chance to meet with Governor John

Kasich. To learn more visit www.oclre.org/programs/OGIA.

I networked, learned a great deal, and left with solid material I

can use. Quite the trifecta!

[OGIA] definitely inspired some new teaching strategies andfurther knowledge in the content area.

I was totally impressed with the conference. I have been raving

about it all day with both my students and colleagues.

Do it Locally, Do it Virtually:Youth for Justice & Project Citizen Updates

Two Days. Three Branches. Lots of Action

Sen. Cliff Hite greets teachers at

the Statehouse.

Teachers have a chance to meet with GovernorKaisich at the Ohio Statehouse.

OGIA participants pose with Justice ONeill at the SupremeCourt of Ohio.
http://www.oclre.org/programs/YFJhttp://www/oclre.org/programs/pchttp://www.oclre.org/mailto:jreitz%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/programs/OGIAhttp://www.oclre.org/programs/OGIAmailto:jreitz%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/http://www/oclre.org/programs/pchttp://www.oclre.org/programs/YFJ


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Recognize Civics & Law All Star Students

Request for Proposals: Law & Citizenship Conference

William K. WeisenbergFund for Civic Education

Bill Weisenberg believes that all students should learn about the constitution, the rule of law and the

justice system. To honor his thirty-five year career of service to and imminent retirement from the

Ohio State Bar Association, the Board of Governors of the Ohio State Bar Association established the

William K. Weisenberg Fund for Civic Education. This fund will provide financial assistance to promote

civic education initiatives that prepare school-age children and young adults to better understand ourconstitutional democracy and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to be better,

more informed citizens.

Gifts should be made payable to the Ohio State Bar Foundation. Learn more or donate now by visiting

www.osbf.net/give/make-a-gift/weisenberg-fun d.

TheCivics & Law Honor Roll recognizes

secondary school students (grades 9-12)

from throughout the country who have

demonstrated a commitment to civic

learning and engagement. Created by the

American Bar Association Commission on

Civic Education in the Nations Schools, its

purpose is to create enthusiasm for and

reward academic and community volunteer

achievements in civic education and

engagement. As a sponsoring organization,

the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education

(OCLRE) may recognize Ohio students for the

Civics & Law Honor Roll in accordance

with the selection criteria recommended

by the ABA.

To review the criteria and submit your

nomination, visit www.oclre.org.

Nominations are due April 11, 2014and honorees will be announced on

Law DayMay 1st.

Questions may be directed to

Kate Strickland: [email protected]

or (614) 485-3510.

The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education is seeking proposals

for its 2014 Law & Citizenship Conference.

Among the topics to be presented:

Using primary sources in the classroom

How to teach founding documents

Integrating new social studies standards and common core

in the classroom

Pedagogy for government and civic education content

Current events

And more

With Ohios many great teachers, its a perfect opportunity to

share good lessons. Sessions are one hour; conference dates are

September 21 & 22.

For more information or to submit a proposal, visit http://www.

oclre.org/programs/LnC. Questions may be directed to Tim

Kalgreen at [email protected] or 614-485-3515.
http://www.osbf.net/give/make-a-gift/weisenberg-fundhttp://www.osbf.net/give/make-a-gift/weisenberg-fundhttp://www.oclre.org/civics-law-honor-rollhttp://www.oclre.org/mailto:kstrickland%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/programs/LnChttp://www.oclre.org/programs/LnCmailto:kstrickland%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/http://www.oclre.org/civics-law-honor-rollhttp://www.osbf.net/give/make-a-gift/weisenberg-fundhttp://www.osbf.net/give/make-a-gift/weisenberg-fund


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by Kate Strickland, director of

resources

Starting from scratch can be daunting,

even under the best of circumstances.

However, one group of enthusiastic and

dedicated young women is proof that

preparation, dedication and leadership

are paramount to a good start. For the

first time, Columbus School for Girls

participated in Ohio Mock Trial.

CSG boasts a 115 year history of

offering rigorous, college preparatory

academic coursework and extra-

curricular opportunities that help

enhance students knowledge and

experiences. Among such offerings at

CSG is the FIRST Robotics program,

which allows students to work with

leaders from the nations universities,

businesses and industries to expose

them to invention and discovery. So,

what about students interested in

career opportunities in

the fields of law, education and

public service?

In the spring of 2013, four CSG

students spent two weeks interning

at the Ohio Center for Law-Related

Education. As part of the schools

Junior May Experience program, Sydney

Moman, Cecilia Pesavento, Claire

Weiler and Blaine Yaffe spent time

at OCLRE learning about its mission

and programs, and contributing their

time and talents to assist with projects

like researching and writing relevant

social media posts that would appeal

to educators and students. Given their

individual interests in law and relatedsubjects, the students also thought

about how they could take what they

learned and experienced at OCLRE

back to CSG. Answer: the first-ever

CSG mock trial team. It was a challenge

to and for themselves; would their

commitment and enthusiasm

be contagious?

Fast forward to winter 2014: two

established CSG mock trial teams, led

by respective captains Claire and Blaine,

competed at the district competition on

January 31. The teams did exceptionally

well, and though they did not advanceto Regional Competition, each team

won an Outstanding Witness and

Outstanding Attorney award,

respectively. So, how did they go from

scratch to prepared?

I had the opportunity to meet with

team captains Claire and Blaine in

late December to follow up on their

progress and experience. Starting

a new program, especially one that

requires a big time commitment, was

the hardest part. But we really wantedto do mock trial and there was a lot of

interest among CSG students,

Blaine explained.

Claire elaborated: Mr. [Bill] Pohlman,

our legal advisor, and Ms. [Suzanne]

Besanceney, our teacher advisor, have

helped us a lotfrom helping us

structure practices to asking

tough questions of us. In addition

to developing my leadership skills, I

believe participating in mock trial has

sharpened my critical thinking skills.

Blaine and Claire shared that, in

particular, their leadership skills have

been strengthened throughout the

process. As senior captains of a

new endeavor, they held themselves

accountable to the other team

members and worked to ensure a

positive experience for all and the

beginning of a mock trial tradition

at CSG. Blaine and Claire added that

theyve been further challenged to

think on their feet, and to consider

alternative perspectives, especially whentrying to defend a particular argument:

all skills that will prove to be assets no

matter the career path they choose.

For more information, visit the Mock

Trialpage at www.oclre.org.

MOCK TRIAL NEWS

Columbus School for GirlsEmbraces the Challenge of Mock Trial

Persistence is the twin sister

of excellence. One is a matter

of quality; the other a matter

of time.Habeeb Akande

CSG students (L-R): Sydney Moman, Blaine Yaffe, Cecilia Pesavento and Claire Weiler.
http://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMThttp://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMThttp://www.oclre.org/http://www.oclre.org/http://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMThttp://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMT


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By Todd Burch,Esq., programcoordinator

The Simplified Rulesof Evidence used inOhio Mock Trial aredesigned to levelthe playing field forall teams by layingout what testimony

is permitted in trial. These rules have beenadapted from the Ohio rules and allowstudents to experience an introduction

to the role these rules play in courtroomsituations. How and when to use the rulesof evidence by raising objections can beone of the most challenging aspects ofMock Trial as many arguments must bemade while students are thinking ontheir feet during the course of a trial.

Arguments relating to the rules ofevidence will only be raised when astudent makes an objection. There aremany theories of when and how oftenobjections should be raised in trial. Onesimple suggestion is that an attorney

should object when s/he hears testimonythat may be inadmissible under the rulesof evidence regardless of the number ofobjections previously raised unless theissue has already been decided. This willlet the course of the trial determine howmany objections are appropriate.

When raising an objection, an attorneyshould stand and address the court.Objections and arguments should neverbe directed to opposing counsel. Aneasy and proper way to object is tosimply state the objection and grounds.

For example: Objection, Hearsay. Theattorney should then wait to be promptedby the judges before proceeding withfurther argument. Both attorneys willlikely then have the opportunity to statetheir arguments. These arguments shouldbe concise both from the attorney whoraised the objection and the attorney whois responds.

A strategy for organizing objectionarguments is to view them in threeparts: an introduction, explanation and

conclusion. For example, the defense hasraised an objection to the prosecutionsuse of the defendants statements ina criminal case and the prosecution isoffering a response:Introduction: Your Honor, this statementis not hearsay as it was offered by a partyopponent under Rule 801(D)(2).

Explanation: The statements claimingresponsibility for the fire just referencedby Officer OLeary were made by DakotaAllen, who is the defendant in this case.Conclusion: As such, these statements are

not hearsay.

As with other aspects of Mock Trial,attorneys should attempt to read the

judges when considering objections orresponses. If the judge is staring at anattorney, perhaps it is an indication anobjection may be warranted. If the sameobjection has been overruled multipletimes, do not expect this pattern tochange. Make arguments that the judgein a particular trial has proven to bereceptive to and discard those that havebeen ineffective. However, keep in mindthat the judge in the next trial may have adifferent perspective.

After the arguments are made thejudge will choose to sustain or overrulethe objection. It is very important forattorneys to pay close attention to thisruling. Its not uncommon for an attorneyto win an objection and confidently sitdown only for the witness to repeat thesame testimony that drew the objectionin the first place. In this scenario, theattorney should raise the objection again.The attorney questioning the witnessshould also be aware and move on from

lines of questioning the have resultedin successful objections from opposingcounsel.

Raising and arguing objections canbe a challenge but also an excellentopportunity for students to showcasecritical analysis while thinking on theirfeet. Teams that are comfortable with thisaspect of Mock Trial will give themselves abetter chance for a successful trial.

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Objection! The When, How and Whyof Mock Trial Objections

Watch Live!The 31st Annual Ohio Mock Trial

Championship will be televised

via the Ohio Channel on March 8.

Check with your cable provider for

channel listings or visit

http://www.ohiochannel.org/.

Were you the star witness for your

mock trial team? Did you testify

at a We the People congressional

hearing? Impact public policy or

advocate for social justice via ProjectCitizen or Youth for Justice? What

are you doing now? How did your

involvement in OCLRE programs

influence your educational and

career paths? Would you like to

stay involved?

Click hereand tell us your story.

AttentionOCLRE Alumi:

We Want to Hear

from You!
http://www.ohiochannel.org/http://www.oclre.org/take-actionhttp://www.oclre.org/take-actionhttp://www.ohiochannel.org/


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The Law and Leadership Institute

Joins the Ohio High School MockTrial CompetitionAn additional group of studentsparticipated in the Ohio Mock TrialCompetition. For the first time, Lawand Leadership Institute (LLI) studentsprepared for the trial of Phillips SchoolDistrict v. Jesse Springfield et al.. For thepast four years, intra-LLI competitions

have taken place, but this year LLI studentswill be fielding community teams fromthree of their six sites.

Established in 2008, LLI is a statewideinitiative that prepares students fromunderserved communities for post-secondary and professional successthrough a comprehensive four-yearacademic program in law, leadership,analytical thinking, problem solving,writing skills and professionalism, forthe purpose of college preparation and

increased diversity within the field of law,in partnership with eight law schools in sixcities across Ohio. LLI students participatein mock trials, intensive curriculum studies,an internship program, ACT prep classes,and more.

The LLI teams that competed in the OhioHigh School Mock Trial Competitionconsist of 5-11 students from grades9-12, representing LLI sites at Universityof Dayton School of Law, University ofToledo College of Law, and the Universityof Akron School of Law. LLI had nearly400 participants last year, many of whomattend schools that do not have Mock Trialteams. LLI is very excited that the studentswill join the ranks of over 3,500 studentswho participate in the program.

LLI Executive Director Hope Sharettexplains, We are thrilled with the OCLREmock trial fact pattern, as it covers topicsfocused on by all of our LLI students. The9th and 10th graders work with the Bill ofRights and the 1st and 4th amendment,while our 11th and 12th grade students

study civil liberties, focusing on civildisobedience. Mock trial allows thestudents to further engage these topicsin a more hands-on approach. LLIstudents are busy preparing for the MockTrial Competition with weekly practicemeetings at their law school sites. Theyappreciated the chance to show theirskills, compete, and connect with otheraspiring attorneys and future legalprofessionals.

Stay Involved! Former Mock Trial Teacher Advisors Encouraged toContribute to Program Development

The Center is interested in hearing from former High School Mock Trial teacher advisors who would like to stay involved in the

program. Opportunities include working with the Mock Trial Competition Committee and developing teacher resources. The

Center values the support of the many teachers who have brought Mock Trial to their classrooms over the last 30 years and hopes

to continue working together so more students can reap the benefits of participation.

Please contact Todd Burch at [email protected] 614-485-3510 to share your experiences and ideas for staying involved.
http://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMThttp://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMTmailto:tburch%40oclre.org?subject=mailto:tburch%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMThttp://www.oclre.org/programs/HSMT


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InspirED: Students stories about educatorswho inspireIt is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative

expression and knowledge.Albert Einstein

By Daniel Strunk, Mock Trial Alumnus; senior, Duke University

This past weekend I visited an Indian Hill Mock Trial practice

to serve as a guest presiding judge for a scrimmage trial. Its

something Ive done the last four years over winter break as a

Mock Trial alum of the Indian Hill program. Not only is it fun to

sit on the other side of the courtroom, witnessing students argue

objections and constitutional issues like my peers and I once so

fervently did, but it gives me a chance to volunteer for a program

that had a tremendously positive influence on my high school

years. For this, I owe Steve Reger, the head of the Indian Hill

program and my past teacher and coach, a tremendous debt.

Every year at this time countless alums of the Indian Hill Mock

Trial program return over winter break to visit Coach Reger. This

is but a small testament to the work he puts in and impact he has

on students lives. Hes definitely dedicated; he oftentimes pays

for program expenses out of his own pocket, not to mention the

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays he gives up from October

to March. And if Indian Hill goes to the National Championship,

something its done four out of the last five years, this practice

regimen and Regers commitment extends to May.

But more importantly, Coach Reger instills in his Mock Trialers

and students a love for all things social studies and American

Government. He has carried a pocket US Constitution at all times

since goodness knows when (Indian Hill legend has it since he was

2 years old)a habit that plenty of Indian Hill students emulate

(myself included to this day). The debates that occur in Regers

classroomwhether about partisan politics, constitutional law, or

the best current television shows to watchare intense. It is hard

to come away from them with anything but an increased love for

argumentation. And I think it is nigh impossible to graduate his

class without at least some permanently instilled appreciation fo

the Bill of Rights.

I am now a senior at Duke University. Next year I will be pursuin

a Masters degree at the Trinity College Dublin as a Mitchell

Scholar, and I was blessed to recently be accepted into Harvard

Law School. Looking back upon my years in the Ohio Mock Tria

Program, I can honestly say that no class in either college or hig

school ever taught me more or prepared me better for a career

and life generally. Coach Reger and the OCLRE instilled in me a

love of Constitutional law and our judicial system, not to mentio

countless skills like teamwork, public speaking, analytical thinkin

and effective writing. I know countless other Ohio Mock Trial

alums and students of Indian Hill feel the same; speaking on

behalf of them all, Id like to say thank you. There is nothing lika good teacher to breathe life into the far-reaching dreams of

youthsomething Coach Reger proves each and every day, and

which the OCLRE helps to make happen.

8

2010 Ohio Mock Trial State Champions Indian Hill. Daniel Strunk is picturedholding the plaque; teacher Steve Reger is pictured center.

Moot Court focuses on the appellate court process and isdesigned to provide students the opportunity to present asimulated oral argument and respond to questions posedby a panel of volunteer judges. Moot Court will also givemany students their first experience in legal writing, allowingparticipants to compose legal briefs related to their argumentsthat will be reviewed and scored by volunteer attorneys.

The 2014 case focuses on the Fourth Amendment and ahypothetical new Ohio stand your ground law. In the case,the defendant arrives home on a dark winter day to see anotherindividual approaching him. The defendant then shoots and kills

the approaching man. Police arrive and search the defendantscar where they find an iPad with information that indicates thedefendant knew and intended to kill the victim. The defendantis charged with murder and convicted. The defendant appeals,arguing the search of his car was a violation of the FourthAmendment and his shooting of the victim was justified byOhios new stand your ground law.

OCLREs Inaugural Moot Court

Competition Scheduled for Spring

High School Moot Court Professional Development:February 20, 2014 at the Ohio Center for Law-Related Educati

High School Moot Court Competition:May 20, 2014 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center


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Lessons on Presidential PowerPresidential power is an importanttopic taught in American History andgovernment classes. The links belowfeature lessons on two different, but strongexecutives: Abraham Lincoln and RonaldReagan.

Teachers can use the Abraham Lincolnlessonfor background about the 16thpresident. The lesson examines Lincolnsposition on slavery and efforts duringthe Civil War. At the end of the lesson,students should understand Lincolnslegacy to the presidency, Americanconstitutionalism, and citizenship.

By using the Ronald Reagan lesson,students consider the presidential powersutilized by Ronald Reagan to address bothdomestic and international issues. Fromthe air traffic controllers strike to

the Cold War, students will learn how theConstitution empowers the president toresolve complex and far-reaching issues.

While both lessons can be usedindependently, they may also be usedtogether to compare and contrast thepresidencies. How did Lincoln and Reaganlead during times of war? How did theirdomestic policies impact the nation? Wereany of their policies unconstitutional?Why?

As an extension, have students analyzefamous speeches delivered by thesepresidents. For example, both LincolnsEmancipation Proclamation and ReagansTear Down This Wall speech advocatedliberty and freedom for people. How arethese speeches similar and how are theydifferent?

These lessons originated from the Centefor Civic Education for We the Peopleteachers, but are useful for all governmeand history teachers. Enjoy!

Teachers: Do you have a lesson or activitthat you would like to share with othergovernment and civics teachers? OCLRE working to update and expand its onlineTeacher Resourcespage. Send us yoursuggestions at [email protected].

New We the PeopleeBook Released

One of the most exciting features of the e-book: it may be ac-

cessed via computer, iPhone, iPad, Android, tablet, and many

other mobile devices used by teachers and students.

Built-in assessments are found in each lesson. Various formats

(multiple choice, short answer, etc.) give students a chance to

demonstrate their understanding and allow teachers to easilyprovide feedback.

The enhanced eBook has many useful features including:

Embedded videos

Interactive graphics

Historical photos

Common Core alignment

For additional information about the e-book and pricing/purchas-

ing information, visit http://new.civiced.org/resources/publications/

ebooks/new-enhanced-ebook.

To view a sample lesson of the enhanced e-book, visit http://de

moapp.motuspublishing.com/sample-media-book. The enhanc

eBook is written for the high school level; however, the We the

People curriculum is available for elementary, middle and high

school. For information about the program or textbooks, cont

Tim Kalgreen at (614)485-3515; [email protected].

The Center for Civic Education has launched the enhanced new

eBook, We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.
http://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/2009%20Lincoln%20Supplemental%20Lesson.pdfhttp://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/2009%20Lincoln%20Supplemental%20Lesson.pdfhttp://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/Regan%20and%20Executive%20Power%20Lesson.pdfmailto:oclre%40oclre.org?subject=http://demoapp.motuspublishing.com/sample-media-bookhttp://demoapp.motuspublishing.com/sample-media-bookmailto:tkalgreen%40oclre.org?subject=mailto:tkalgreen%40oclre.org?subject=http://demoapp.motuspublishing.com/sample-media-bookhttp://demoapp.motuspublishing.com/sample-media-bookmailto:oclre%40oclre.org?subject=http://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/Regan%20and%20Executive%20Power%20Lesson.pdfhttp://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/2009%20Lincoln%20Supplemental%20Lesson.pdfhttp://www.oclre.org/sites/default/files/documents/2009%20Lincoln%20Supplemental%20Lesson.pdf


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10

Spotlight: Mock Trial District CompetitioSponsorDayton Bar AssociationSpecial thanks to DBA Executive DirectorBill Wheeler & Assistant Executive DirectorChris Albrektson

How many years has the Dayton BarAssociation (DBA) sponsored/hostedthe Montgomery County Mock TrialDistrict Competition?... 25 + Years

Please tell us more about Robert N.Farquhar and his affiliation with DBAand the mock trial program?

Robert N. Farquhar (Nick) served asthe 70th President of the Dayton BarAssociation. As President, he directed the

preparation of, and provided the officialsignature for, the Associations Articles ofIncorporation in 1984.

Nick had a long standing dedication andcommitment to the legal profession and hislegal community. His career was markedby demonstrated leadership, service andprofessionalism and served Ohio attorneyswith distinction for more than threedecades as a member of the Ohio State BarAssociations Committee on Legal Ethics &Professional Conduct and then chairing thecommittee from 1882 to 1985.

What does programsponsorship entail?

In 2008, the DBA lost a good friend anda dedicated legal professional, however,his legacy of leadership, service andprofessionalism lives on and serves as amodel for aspiring young attorneys.Following his passing, the Farquhar familygraciously established a Memorial Fundwith the DBA Foundation in his memory.As a tribute to his service to a widevariety of organizations and causes, notonly in the local community, but across,

the country, memorial contributionscame from all across the United States.The DBA Foundation discussed withhis wife some potential beneficiaries ofthe Memorial Fund and it was decidedto direct the Memorial funds to theMontgomery County High School MockTrial competition.

In that manner, the value of leadership,service and professionalism can be instilledin these students who may someday befuture members of our legal community.The DBA Foundation provides an annual

grant from the Memorial Fund to the DBAto host the Montgomery County DistrictMock Trial competition. These funds areused to help offset the cost associated withthe planning and execution of the Districtcompetition. Carol Farquhar Nugentmakes an annual contribution to theMemorial Fund to ensure the competitionis funded for many yearsto come.

The participation of young adults in theprocess of learning the legal system, andits practical application in a court of law, isa most fitting event to bear his name.

How many attorneys/judges volunteereach year to judge the competition?

Each year, 30 panel judges (Judges,Magistrates, Attorneys) volunteer to

judge the competition. In addition, aDBA member serves as the CompetitionCoordinator and three DBA staff membersfacilitate the logistics of the day, regardingmaterials, students, court rooms,volunteers and the awards ceremony.

Why is sponsorship of the mock trialprogram important to the DBA? Whatdo you hope that students will get out

of their involvement?

The greater Dayton Legal communityconsists of a great number of trulyprofessional and dedicated Judges,Magistrates and Attorneys. The membersof the local bench and the bar are knownfor their congeniality and professionalism,not only in the courtroom, but also withinthe legal community.

It is important for young adults, whoaspire to pursue the practice of law, tounderstand that a true legal professional

not only demonstrates his/her expertisein the courtroom, but also, demonstratesethics and professionalism in all aspects oftheir work and service.

Can you share a highlight, story orother favorite about the DBAsinvolvement with mock trial?

Each year, following the days trialcompetition and computation of thescores, an awards ceremony is held torecognize the student participation and toannounce the teams who will advance to

the regional mock trial competition. TheDBA president presides over the ceremonyand gives his/her personal reflection on thevalue and significance of the high schoolmock trial experience.

At one particular awards ceremony, theDBA President observed a participatingstudent visibly distraught and takingpersonal responsibility for the team notperforming to expectations and lettingteammates down. It was learned that thestudent had frozen during his part ofthe trial and could not continue.

Being an experienced trial lawyer in her

own right, the President modified herprepared comments and proceeded totell the students that each and every onewas a winner, no matter how the teamfared in the competition. They were to becongratulated for their efforts in months ofhard work, preparation and practice andthe lessons learned will serve them wellthroughout their lives. Then, drawing fromher own experience as a trial lawyer, shediscussed how all lawyers have experiencedtimes when things did not go as planned ina trial and how they take value from thatexperience to make them a better lawyer.

The student found comfort in the wordsof wisdom and following the ceremonyapproached the President and thanked herfor her words of encouragement.

It is in these moments that we at theDBA are reminded that our efforts insponsoring/conducting the competitionhas a positive impact on the studentsand perhaps one day, the emergenceof another legal professional in ourcommunity.


11/12

11

A proud and congratulatory shout outto two Ohio high school mock trial teams,Westerville North and Sylvania Southview,for competing in the annual Empire MockTrial Invitational, held October 18-21,2013, in Brooklyn, New York. WestervilleNorth and Sylvania Southview were twoof 36 schools from around the worldto be selected to compete in the 7thannual Empire Mock Trial Invitational.Sylvania Southview took first place in the

competition!

Sylvania Southview team members (L-R):Zack Poczekaj (best witness award), ClaireCoder, Sevil Clifford, Katherine Ellis, YuranChen (best attorney award), CatherineDong, Eric Zhu, Shaleen Goel, Lily Yan,Nikila Luke

Also pictured: Vicki Lyle, team advisor;Judge Pamela K. Chen, United StatesDistrict Court Judge for the EasternDistrict of New York; Dennis Lyle,team advisor

Ohio Mock Trial Teams Compete

at Empire Mock Trial Invitational

CD Format

More than 300 pages of classroom lessons and activities

Special section What Every Ohioan Should Know

MY OHIO provides students with wonderful opportunities to learn about our government and ways to be a better

citizen. The continuously updated material can be taught in various ways, providing students with many learning

situations, and incorporating learning from multiple intelligences...

John Kramer, Grade 3/4 Social Studies teacher, Mohawk Local Schools

Not only does MY OHIOalign with the academic content standards for the social studies, it provides

all the necessary details to conduct the lessons and activities, including background information for

the teacher, student activity pages, and assessments. View sample lessons and read teacher

testimonials here.

A Closer Look at Local, State and

National Citizenship Activities

through an Ohio Lens
http://http//www.empiremocktrial.org/site/the-invitational/http://http//www.empiremocktrial.org/site/the-invitational/http://www.oclre.org/news/sylvania-southview-team-wins-international-mock-trial-competition-nychttp://www.oclre.org/news/sylvania-southview-team-wins-international-mock-trial-competition-nychttp://www.oclre.org/my-ohio-activity-bookhttp://www.oclre.org/my-ohio-activity-bookhttp://www.oclre.org/news/sylvania-southview-team-wins-international-mock-trial-competition-nychttp://www.oclre.org/news/sylvania-southview-team-wins-international-mock-trial-competition-nychttp://http//www.empiremocktrial.org/site/the-invitational/http://http//www.empiremocktrial.org/site/the-invitational/


12/12

Reporter NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDCOLUMBUS, OHIO

PERMIT NO. 4247

P.O. Box 16562

Columbus, Ohio 43216-6562

1700 Lake Shore DriveColumbus, Ohio 43204

614-485-3510

Toll free 877-485-3510

www.oclre.org

2014 Schedule of EventsJANUARY

24, We the People High SchoolCompetition

31, High School Mock Trial DistrictCompetition

FEBRUARY20, Moot Court Professional

Development21, High School Mock Trial Regional

Competition

MARCH

6, High School Mock Trial State Finals7, High School Mock Trial State Finals8, High School Mock Trial

Championship Round

APRIL1, Middle School Mock Trial Showcase2, Middle School Mock Trial Showcase

MAY

15, Middle School We the People Showcase20, Moot Court Competition
http://www.oclre.org/http://www.oclre.org/

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