Mock Supreme Court in Session - News & Photos - McDonogh School

News & Photos

Mock Supreme Court in Session

The atmosphere in the Upper School library was electric on April 9 as students in Jeff Sanborn’s AP U.S. Government class took on the roles of lawyers and justices in a Mock Supreme Court trial to decide if the messages and symbols on state-issued specialty license plates constitute government speech. The Honorable Fred Smalkin '64, retired Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, presided over the trial. Lawyers presented their arguments and had to think quickly on their feet as the Chief Judge and justices challenged their positions. Natalie Ram, a professor at The University of Baltimore School of Law, also participated on the panel and peppered the young lawyers with intense questions to give them a realistic courtroom experience.