High School Students Engage in Annual Moot Court CompetitionNew York City hosts an annual moot court competition designed to provide high school students with practical experience in the legal system. Students from over 30 city high schools conduct research and prepare legal cases, presenting their arguments before Fordham University law students who serve as judges. The program, now in its 41st year, aims to enhance understanding of government functions as part of a city-wide civics curriculum. Case ScenarioA fictional case argued in the competition involved a high school student, Carmen Bundy, accused in a pranking incident. The scenario detailed a school resource officer searching Bundy's phone during questioning by an assistant principal, without Miranda rights being issued. Student teams argued both sides: one asserting the search violated Fourth Amendment rights, and another contending the questioning did not constitute a custodial interrogation requiring Miranda warnings. Civics Education ContextThe competition occurs within a national discussion on civics education. An initiative focused on renewing civic knowledge and understanding America's founding principles was announced in September. This coincides with a reported decline in civics test scores for eighth graders on the Nation's Report Card since 2014. Louise Dubé, CEO of iCivics, a nonpartisan nonprofit, defines civics education as a blend of government, history, and social studies, emphasizing the development of skills for civil discourse and problem-solving. These skills complement an understanding of core concepts like the three branches of government and checks and balances. Program Objectives and Student ExperienceMichael Seif, a senior program manager at the Justice Resource Center, which organizes the competition, stated that the program's objective is to provide students with a foundational understanding of government, oral advocacy, and analytical skills for law-related issues. Participants receive feedback and scores from the law student judges. Judges have acknowledged the students' confidence and preparedness. Teachers involved in student preparation emphasize the program's contribution to helping students develop their communication skills and the ability to engage with ideas critically.