Virtual Supreme Court 2021

Ages:High School

Types:Submission, Performance

Categories:Law, politics & government

Scope:National

Contact

Josh Blackman
jblackman@harlaninstitute.org

The Harlan Institute and Ashbrook announce the Tenth Annual Virtual Supreme Court Competition. This competition offers teams of two high school students the opportunity to research cutting-edge constitutional law, write persuasive appellate briefs, argue against other students through video chats, and try to persuade a panel of esteemed attorneys during oral argument that their side is correct. This year the competition focuses on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

Using historical materials related to the Second Amendment, and the precedents of the United States Supreme Court, teams of two high-school students will write an appellate brief, and present oral arguments, addressing this question: Does the Second Amendment allow the government to prohibit a law-abiding person from carrying handguns outside the home for self-defense? Petitioners will argue that the Second Amendment prohibits states from denying a law-abiding person a license to carry a handgun outside the home. Respondents will argue that the Second Amendment does not prohibit states from denying a law-abiding person a license to carry a handgun outside the home.

Week of 11/15/21: Virtual Mentoring sessions 12/15/21: Submissions are due 2/12/22 and 2/13/22: Semifinal Round 3/5/22 and 3/6/22: Round of 8 3/19/22 and 3/20/22: Round of 4 4/25/22: Championship round

Website: http://harlaninstitute.org

Managing Organization: The Harlan Institute

Contact:
Josh Blackman
jblackman@harlaninstitute.org

Eligibility:
All High School students are eligible.

Registration Opens: September 29, 2021

Registration Closes: January 1, 2022

Overview

The Harlan Institute and Ashbrook announce the Tenth Annual Virtual Supreme Court Competition. This competition offers teams of two high school students the opportunity to research cutting-edge constitutional law, write persuasive appellate briefs, argue against other students through video chats, and try to persuade a panel of esteemed attorneys during oral argument that their side is correct. This year the competition focuses on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

Process

Using historical materials related to the Second Amendment, and the precedents of the United States Supreme Court, teams of two high-school students will write an appellate brief, and present oral arguments, addressing this question: Does the Second Amendment allow the government to prohibit a law-abiding person from carrying handguns outside the home for self-defense? Petitioners will argue that the Second Amendment prohibits states from denying a law-abiding person a license to carry a handgun outside the home. Respondents will argue that the Second Amendment does not prohibit states from denying a law-abiding person a license to carry a handgun outside the home.

Criteria

Week of 11/15/21: Virtual Mentoring sessions 12/15/21: Submissions are due 2/12/22 and 2/13/22: Semifinal Round 3/5/22 and 3/6/22: Round of 8 3/19/22 and 3/20/22: Round of 4 4/25/22: Championship round

Participate

Website: http://harlaninstitute.org

Managing Organization: The Harlan Institute

Contact:
Josh Blackman
jblackman@harlaninstitute.org

Eligibility:
All High School students are eligible.

Deadlines

Registration Opens: September 29, 2021

Registration Closes: January 1, 2022