Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens to Preside at Mock Trial Championship this Sunday

OLYMPIA--Washington Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens will preside over the final round of the 2002 YMCA Mock Trial State Championship, scheduled for 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. this Sunday (March 24) at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia.

Twenty high school teams will face each other in a three-day, five-round competition this weekend, arguing the prosecution and defense sides of State of Washington v. Ogden Browne.  The state champion will be decided in the final round.

This year's hypothetical case explores a charge of vehicular homicide.  Throughout the weekend, students will argue the case by serving as prosecutors, defense attorneys and witnesses before nearly thirty experienced trial judges and sixty attorneys who will rate the performance of each school team.

The competition is part of the YMCA's Youth and Government program, which allows students to gain first-hand knowledge of our judicial system and enhance skills through hands-on experience in public speaking, research, critical thinking and oral advocacy.

Co-sponsors include the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Young Lawyer Division of the Washington State Bar Association, the Superior Court Judges' Association, and others.

CONTACTS:   Justice Susan J. Owens, Washington Supreme Court, 360-357-2041; Jason Leggett, YMCA Mock Trial Program Coordinator, 360-534-0155.

ONSITE CONTACT:  Wendy Ferrell, Administrative Office of the Courts 206-353-5511 (cellular phone)

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