Huntington High School’s Personal Law II course wrapped up last June with a moot court competition that had everyone’s adrenaline flowing.
Personal Law II is a half-credit business department course that meets daily for one semester. It is open to students in grades 9-12 and taught by veteran faculty member Suzie Biagi.
“Personal Law II (formerly known as Street Law II) presents contemporary legal issues and provides students with an in depth exploration of juvenile justice, torts against the individual, consumer law, credit for the consumer, insurance and probate law,” according to the high school’s course guide. “This course is highlighted by a moot court competition where students prepare and argue civil law and negligence cases heard by guest judges. Guest speakers and authentic experiences provide the student with a real world view of our legal system and a better understanding as to how to protect them legally. Personal Law I is not required as a prerequisite for this course.”
June’s moot court competition saw 11 different cases argued before nine separate judges. Real-life attorneys Megan Tomlin and Oliver Roche were joined by Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack, alumnus Abby Bellestri and seniors Alyssa Befumo, Christopher Martin, Morgan Oh, Jay Ryan Schmitt and Max Robins. The student-judges all had previous courtroom experience either by starring on the high school’s mock trial team or as veterans of Mrs. Biagi’s moot court initiative.
Students from three sections of Personal Law II class participated. “The cases ranged from assault to slip and falls, dog bites and contracts to landlord and tenant disputes and product liability,” Mrs. Biagi said.
Participants were given a brief case summary and plaintiff and defendant depositions to work with. “They were allowed to embellish their storylines as long as the depositions were not contradicted,” Mrs. Biagi said. “Every year their imaginations, logic recently acquired knowledge of the law impresses me beyond words. Cases and team members are literally pulled out of a hat. There’s lots of stress, but fun and self-satisfaction are felt by all.”
