Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is hosting the 2023 National Judicial Competition (NJC), an annual competition for high school students who have participated in model judicial programs as part of Youth in Government, Mock Trial or Model United Nations. The competition will take place July 25-27 at the Minnesota Capitol Complex in St. Paul, MN.
NJC consists of a model U.S. Supreme Court and a national-level Mock Trial tournament, both of which require students to prepare and argue authentic court cases. High school students from any state who have previously participated in Youth in Government or Mock Trial can compete. This high-achieving group of high school students expand on the legal processes learned in their state programs and compete against over the three days of the competition.
There will be 218 students from 15 states participating in the competition, which will culminate in a showcase of the top teams on Thursday morning. In addition, more than 50 adults – Minnesota attorneys, judges, paralegals and law students – will be serving as volunteer evaluators to provide feedback and scores to the student participants.
“This year our YMCA National Judicial Competition is exceptionally relevant given the prominence of recent judicial decisions,” said Amy Anderson, executive director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Giving young people immersive experiences with the law provides them with a set of reasoning skills important in many areas of their lives. We are excited to welcome the best and brightest high school legal minds from across the U.S. to Minnesota to further enhance their skills as they pursue their legal education and careers.”
WHO:
YMCA of the North’s Center for Youth Voice
WHAT:
YMCA National Judicial Competition
WHERE:
Minnesota State Capitol Complex
WHEN:
July 25-27, 2023
Media Invited:
- Wednesday, July 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. or 2-5 p.m. to observe court proceedings and talk to student participants.
- Thursday, July 27 from 9-11 a.m. for the Final Showcase (held at the Historic MN Supreme Court Chamber) or during the closing from 11:15 a.m.-Noon (in the Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber).
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 167 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.