Judicial

2025 Case Materials

The Judicial Branch centers on constitutional questions, fairness, and legal reasoning. Delegates serve as attorneys and justices in a model Supreme Court, arguing both sides of a real appellate-style case and writing legal argument briefs. The Judicial Branch shows how courts interpret laws and balance the powers of other branches.

What Participants Do

Judicial Delegates:

Study the annual case materials, including facts and constitutional questions.
Prepare written arguments for one side of the case, individually or with a partner.

Present oral arguments during rounds on either side of the case, acting as attorneys and answer questions from a panel of student justices.
Serve as justices in other rounds, evaluating arguments and deliberating outcomes.
Help write an official Opinion of the Court to be read at the closing ceremony.

The Judicial process includes:

Oral Arguments: Attorneys present their case, answer questions, and apply facts and precedent. Participants must be prepared to argue both sides of the case during rounds.
Deliberations: When serving as justices, delegates question attorneys, then discuss the case and reach a decision.
Deliberation and Opinion Writing: Judicial participants collaboratively write a formal Opinion of the Court.

Leadership & Oversight

The Chief Justice leads the Judicial Branch, releases the case, appoints Associate Justices, and ensures fairness.
Associate Justices preside over courtrooms during the competition and question attorneys, deliberate, and help write opinions.