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The Connecticut Judicial Branch
celebrated Law Day (May 1) with ceremonies in the Supreme Court
courtroom and with judges speaking at their high school alma maters.
With Supreme Court Justices in
attendance, the day began with a ceremony in the high court honoring
the Statewide Grievance Committee and members of the local grievance
panels. More than forty members were presented with certificates
from Chief Justice William J. Sullivan, who praised the members,
"…for volunteering their time and for the sincere commitment
on their part." The President of the Connecticut Bar
Association, Barbara J. Collins, also lauded those cited. The
Committee and the grievance panels investigate allegations of
misconduct of attorneys subject to the jurisdiction of the Superior
Court.
The honorees were feted at a
reception after the ceremony in the Museum of Connecticut History’s
Memorial Hall.
The Law Day activities continued in
the afternoon. For the first time in its 25 years of existence, the
Annual High School Mock Trial competition was held in the Supreme
Court courtroom with Chief Justice William J. Sullivan, Associate
Justice Joette Katz, and Associate Justice Richard N. Palmer judging
the close competition.
Chief Justice Sullivan commented,
"I believe we are in the presence today of some quality lawyers
in the near future." Justice Katz remarked…"these
students do not receive the same glory as high school athletes, but
the mock trial teams put in every bit as much time and effort."
Conard High School of West Hartford was declared a split decision
winner over Xavier High School of Middletown. Justice Palmer said he
had witnessed a mock trial many years ago and was amazed at the high
caliber of the students. "But," he added, "if
possible, you have exceeded that standard today. It was difficult
for us to choose a winner. As far as we are concerned, both teams
are winners."
The justices also congratulated more
than 80 attorney coaches and Superior Court Judge Julia L. Aurigemma
who worked with the high school teams explaining legal concepts and
trial procedures to the students. About 700 students from 57
Connecticut high school teams took part in this year’s
competition, sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association and the
Connecticut Consortium for Law and Citizenship Education.
The mock trial competition consists
of students "trying" a hypothetical case, with one school
acting out the prosecution and the other school acting out the
defense. Students also act as attorneys, witnesses, bailiffs, and
timekeepers.
Also during Law Day, judges traveled
to their high school alma maters addressing students about the
judicial process. Some of the high schools rolling out red carpets
for their prestigious alumni were Fairfield Prep, Bristol Central,
Warren Harding, Trinity Catholic, Ledyard, East Catholic and
Bridgeport Central. Several judges selected alternate dates to visit
their high schools.
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