Con Law Scholars Participate in Mock Trial

Last week, Oakwood High School students in the Constitutional Law & American Society course participated in a mock trial, putting the principle of judicial review on trial by revisiting the famous Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803). The class was divided into three legal teams, each representing one of the three branches of the federal government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Through opening arguments, witness testimonies, Q&A, and closing statements over a two-day trial, each team sought to convince the court why their branch should have the final "review" power.

The students argued their cases to a panel of three faculty judges including Mr. Berniker, Mrs. Blanchard, and Mr. Helvey. The legal teams incorporated the text of the Constitution, excerpts from the Federalist Papers, and current-day arguments to defend their case. During witness testimony, there were even surprise guest appearances by students role-playing as Alexander Hamilton, Barack Obama, and a Harvard Constitutional Law professor.

Students enjoyed their experience that emphasized Oakwood's "disciplined and jubilant culture of confident self-expression" in a "flexible curriculum that inspires unbridled exploration" (Our Mission). Constitutional Law & American Society is just one of many courses of our robust elective offerings that upper school students at Oakwood have the incredible opportunity to take during their time in grades 6-12. Next, students in Con Law will begin studying the Bill of Rights and many of the corresponding Supreme Court cases.