A Regis Catholic Middle School team from Cedar Rapids won the 2023 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Tournament on Nov. 29 in a competitive final round held at the Iowa Judicial Branch Building. This year's runner-up team was from Northview Middle School in Ankeny. Additional state semi-finalists were Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School and Harding Middle School – Cedar Rapids. The coveted Judge Anthoney Critelli Award for Civility, Sportsmanship, and Courtroom Decorum was taken home by Dallas Center- Grimes Middle School.
The conclusion of the 2023 state tournament marked 40 years that Iowa has had a middle school mock trial program, according to John Wheeler, director of the Center for Law & Civic Education at The Iowa State Bar Association. The center sponsors the mock trial program in conjunction with the ISBA's Young Lawyers Division.
A total of 160 teams from across the state participated in this year's middle school program, Wheeler said. Thirty-two of those teams competed in the state tournament that started Monday, Nov. 27. Each team competed in three rounds of competition.
The ISBA extends its sincere congratulations to the winning teams. Iowa lawyers and educators donate uncountable hours to make sure that this invaluable program continues and succeeds, and we are grateful to everyone who served as a judge or coach, as well as to all of the parents who support these talented participants.
Please visit the following links to view the full results PDF as well as the Middle School Mock Trial page where the full results can be found.
2023 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial champions from Regis Catholic Middle School, Cedar Rapids
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