FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Jennifer R. Meece, Secretary to Judge S. Dwight Osterud
Perrysburg Municipal Court
300 Walnut Street
Perrysburg, OH 43551-1455
Telephone: 419-872-7915; Fax: 419-872-7947
E-mail: jmeece@ci.perrysburg.oh.us

PERRYSBURG COURT EXPLORERS ANTICIPATE TRIAL

September 3, 2010 – Perrysburg, Ohio – The Perrysburg Court Law & Government Explorer Post is set to receive the 2011 Ohio Mock Trial materials this month.  This year’s competition analyzes an individual’s rights to the body parts of a deceased family member. When an individual dies suddenly in a car accident, the family consents to an autopsy to determine the cause of death.  During the course of the autopsy, a section of the brain is removed and sent to pathology where it is discovered that the brain cells are regenerative (or "immortal").  The decedent’s family has filed a lawsuit against the County Coroner alleging that the coroner has violated the family’s due process rights by sending the regenerative cells to a research lab instead of returning them to the body.

“Is this for real,” asked Jessica Riesen, returning for her third year of Mock Trial competition. “Yes it is,” replied Kristine Mallinson, a senior also in her third year of competition. “I’m ready to Lawyer this case,” says Kaylyn Weisenburger who was awarded Outstanding Attorney in last year’s district competition.

The Mock Trial program provides students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the law, court procedures and the judicial system while also building critical 21^st century learning skills. Each year volunteer attorneys create an original case around a current constitutional issue important to students.  Mock Trial teams work with an attorney or a judge to prepare their case – from both the plaintiff and defense perspective. Competitions at the district, regional and state levels are conducted in an actual courtroom and are scored by panels of lawyers and judges. 

The objectives of Mock Trial are to improve critical thinking, reading, writing, public speaking and listening skills. To develop an understanding and appreciation for the law, court procedures and the judicial system in our country. To understand constitutional rights and responsibilities and to recognize and reward students’ academic and intellectual achievements.

The Explorers will be available at their booth on Harrison Rally Day in downtown Perrysburg on September 18.  They will be talking to interested students about their experience with the Explorer Post while also fingerprinting children in association with the Perrysburg Police Division.

The Mock Trial team is coached by Attorneys Peter R. Casey, III, Kent Riesen, Dan Weiss, Judge Dwight Osterud and teacher Dr. Beth Rohrbacher along with Adam Nowland, a member of the first mock trial team who awaits his admission to the Ohio Bar.

Students who have graduated the eighth grade are eligible to join the Perrysburg Court Explorer Post.  For more information contact Jennifer Meece, Secretary to Judge Osterud at 419-872-7915. A meeting for Explorers and potential members will be held on Sunday, September 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Perrysburg Municipal Court.

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Kaitlyn Ireland is cross-examined by Kaylyn Weisenburger

Explorers getting ready for the 2009 Harrison Rally Day