Washington Courts: Judicial News Report Detail

Appellate judges to preside over 16th annual Street Law program

Washington Supreme Court Justice Gerry L. Alexander will join Division II Court of Appeals Judges Karen G. Seinfeld and David H. Armstrong to preside over trials at Seattle University Law School’s 1997 fall mock trial events. Trials will begin on Monday, Nov. 24 and conclude Tuesday, Dec. 9. Judges Alexander and Seinfeld will preside on Dec. 3, and Judge Armstrong on Dec. 4.

The mock trial competitions are a part of Seattle University’s Street Law program, which gives college credit to law students for teaching high school students about the law. Law students teach two hours per week per school semester with the last three weeks readying their high school teams for the mock trial competition.

The competition’s hypothetical case involves sexual harassment. In the case, “Elyse Roberts,” sues a county over its response to the alleged sexual harassment of deputy prosecutor “Kevin Murphy.” Trials will utilize juries made up of high school students.

Tacoma schools that will participate include Lincoln, Stadium, Mt. Tahoma, Oakland, Pierce and Foss. Seattle schools include Franklin, Roosevelt, and W. Seattle. Trials will be held in two locations--the moot courtroom at Seattle University Law School in Tacoma, and Seattle University’s Campion Hall Ballroom in Seattle.

A collaborative effort of the judicial, legal and educational communities, the Street Law Program is in its 16th year at Seattle University Law School. Thirty-six law schools throughout the country participate in competitions each year.

A full schedule of events can be obtained by calling the number listed below.

CONTACT: Margaret E. Fisher, (360) 705-5341 (work), (206) 329-2690 (home).