Street Law II Students Battle in
Moot Court
Huntington High School Street Law II students battled it out in recent moot court sessions as a culminating exercise in a tort law unit.
Judges Paul Greenstein, Donald Kiley, Xavier Palacios, Daniel Martin and James Polansky heard the cases and issued rulings. The group includes lawyers, an actual state judge and the district superintendent of schools.
This marks the fifth annual moot court competition in business teacher Suzie Biagi's classes. "Students in the class spent the semester studying tort law, consumer law, negligence, contracts and court procedures and then used their newly acquired knowledge to help them prepare and present their cases," Mrs. Biagi explained.
The cases argued were real and had been heard and decided by courts around the country.
The Huntington business students were assigned their roles and partners by a "blind draft" and told to base all of their legal arguments on New York State law. The cases ranged from car accidents and negligence to breach of contract and assault.
"The week was fabulous," Mrs. Biagi said. "My students proved that they knew how to apply their new skills and knowledge and research the necessary laws in order to make and present their cases like true professionals."
The guest judges generously shared their expertise and took advantage of "teachable moments" wherever possible. At the end of each case, the judges gave students their feedback, which the teenagers were eager to receive.
"By far, this activity is one of my favorites to facilitate each year as it brings all the pieces together," Mrs. Biagi said.