Reporter

SUPREME COURT OF OHIO | THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OHIO

OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION | ACLU OF OHIO FOUNDATION SPONSORS
OCLRE is excited and honored to
host two inuential keynoters at the
2014 Law & Citizenship Conference.
Mary Beth Tinker (Tinker v. Des
Moines Independent School District) has
continued to advocate for students
First Amendment rights since
she was the Plaintiff in the 1969
landmark U.S. Supreme
Court decision that concluded
[I]t can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed
their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at
the schoolhouse gate. Like many educators and champions for
civic and law-related education, Ms. Tinker was alarmed by the
results of the recent Annenberg Public Policy Center study which
indicates, among other startling statistics, that only one-third
of Americans can name the three branches of government, and
another third cant name any. So, along with attorney-friend
Mike Hiestand, Tinker launched the Tinker Tour-a journey
across the country to promote youth voices, free speech and a
free press.
Ms. Tinker will greet conference participants on Sunday,
September 21 and deliver the keynote address on Monday,
September 22. She will share stories from the tour and discuss
how teachers and other advocates can work together to engage
young people in learning and appreciating the rights and
responsibilities provided by the Constitution.
Students First Amendment Rights, Ohio
Judicial Reform Among Conference HIghlights
Did you know?
Issue 2
Fall 2014
What teachers say about
the Law & Citizenship Conference:
Great ideas. Excellent ways to engage students.
Always able to take lessons back and implement in the classroom.
I came away with so many resources and new ideas.
Turn to page 5 for conference details.
IN THIS ISSUE
Mock Trial Case Capsule ......... 2
OCLRE Award Winners .......... 4
Conference Highlights .............. 5
InspirED ....................................... 6
[O]n average, one quarter of the people who go to
the polls on Election Day do not bother to vote for
judges.
With the recognition and understanding that
Ohio citizens wish to maintain the right to
vote on judges, Supreme Court of Ohio Chief
Justice Maureen OConnor led a statewide
initiative to review judicial election history,
past reform efforts and propose improvements to elevate
judicial elections. Based on the ndings, the Chief developed a
three-point proposal for Ohio judicial election reform.
Chief Justice OConnor will share the plan with conference
attendees on Monday, September 22. Following her
presentation, Chief Justice OConnor will engage teachers in a
candid conversation about the proposed reform.
Source: http://ohiojudicialreform.org/
2 3
Lest readers think that OCLRE leaves the competition only to students, our staff has
been participating in a high-stakes (bragging rights) competition of their own for
quite some time. In an effort to inspire creativity, team building and a bit of friendly
rivalry Executive Director Lisa Eschleman implemented the OCLRE Quote of the
Week.Throughout the year, OCLRE staff members submit well-known quotes focused
on democracy, civic education, leadership and related topics. Each week, a new quote
is posted and quarterly, after a tally of anonymous votes, the staff member who has
submitted the winning quote is recognized. At the end of the year, the OCLRE Board of
Trustees selects the Quote of the Year. If you follow OCLRE on social media, you likely
have seen many of the submissions, and now some of the recent winning Quotes of the
Week are sprinkled throughout this issue of the Reporter.
Have a favorite quote youd like us to highlight on our Facebook page? Send it to
kstrickland@oclre.org. To plan your own classroom Quote of the Week, check out the
Center on Congress at Indiana Universitys Civic Quotes at http://www.tpscongress.
org/civic-quotes, where you will nd quotes from U.S. government leaders enhanced
with historical primary source images.
2015 Mock Trial Case Capsule
Emerson Jones v. Buckeye Juvenile Correctional Institution, et. al.

Emerson Jones was injured while incarcerated at the Buckeye Juvenile Correctional Institution (BJCI) when guards responded to a
food ght in the cafeteria. A nurse who examined Emerson at BJCI determined that Emersons wrist was sprained. Because the pain
continued, Emerson saw a doctor following release from BJCI and it was determined that the wrist was actually broken. Emerson
claims that BJCI violated his Eighth Amendment right against cruel and unusual punishment, arguing that the guard engaged in
unnecessary iniction of pain and that staff acted with indifference in misdiagnosing the injury.
OCLRE offers academic programs that provide students opportunities to practice the role of
citizen in authentic, meaningful ways. Learn more take part in a professional development
session this fall! From We the People and Moot Court, to social justice and public policy oriented
programs like Youth for Justice and Project Citizen, there are a variety of ways to engage
students in learning about government, our justice system and the importance of being an
informed, active citizen. All OCLRE programs are aligned to Ohios learning standards for
social studies and English/language arts. Register today and learn more at www.oclre.org.
Quote-worthy
Fall into project-based programs
that make it real for students
Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to
change the world.
Nelson Mandela
We pay a price when we
deprive children of the exposure
to the values, principles, and
education they need to make
them good citizens.
Sandra Day OConnor
Priya Sonty Priya is Program Coordinator
for the high school Mock Trial and Moot
Court programs. Priya graduated from The
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
in 2014. She has a Master of Education from
Christian Brothers University, with licensure
in Secondary Spanish Education. Prior to law
school, Priya taught in the Memphis (TN) City
Schools. No doubt that Priyas education and
experience will be a great asset to OCLRE and the teachers and
students whom we serve.
Ryan Suskey Ryan is Director of
Professional Development and Programs.
Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from
the University of Pittsburgh and his M.A.T.
from Johns Hopkins University. He is a 2013
graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz
College of Law. Prior to joining the OCLRE
staff, Ryan taught at Columbus Collegiate
Academy. Ryan also taught at Carver
Vocational Technical High School in Baltimore, MD. Ryan is excited
to work with teachers to provide tools and resources you need for
success in the classroom.
2 3
Justice Joins OCLRE Board of Trustees
No, thats not just a play on words The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education is pleased to welcome Scioto
County attorney Karyn Justice to its Board of Trustees.
Ms. Justice received her B.A. from Kent State University, summa cum laude, in 1995 and graduated from The Ohio
State University Moritz College of Law in 2000 as a Public Service Fellow. Following graduation, Ms. Justice moved
to Portsmouth, Ohio where she still resides.
Ms. Justice began her legal career representing indigent clients in Scioto, Adams and Lawrence counties at Southeastern Ohio Legal
Services. In 2009, Justice was honored with the Ohio State Bar Foundations Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
(District 8). She joined the Foundations Fellows Class in 2010 and its Board of Trustees in 2012. In 2013, Justice was appointed to the
Council of Delegates for the Ohio State Bar Association and received a Presidents Volunteer Service Award. In 2014, she joined the
Board of Directors of the Boneyddle Arts Center, as well as the OCLRE Board of Trustees.
Activities that help people at home and throughout Ohio are a rewarding part of my career. No doubt that Ms. Justice has helped
a great number people in her community, among them students. Since 2004, she has advised the Sciotoville Community School (East
High School) Mock Trial team. Very recently she received the following note from a former student:
Hey Karyn, a few days ago I was going through old things and I found some of my Mock Trial folders, made me think about how important mock trial really
was to me and how much it helped me as a person, I really dont think I would have the amount of condence and courage that I do now if it hadnt been for
Mock Trial. I hope you realize what a massive positive inuence that mock trial and you were in my life, I know you dont need anyone to tell you this, but what
you do is important, volunteering your time to help and educate high school kids makes a huge impact, and I cant thank you enough.
On behalf of OCLRE, we couldnt agree more. Thank you, and welcome!
Welcome Wagon
OCLRE is pleased to welcome two new and talented staff members to its team.
4 5
Eiler, Founders Award Recipients Announced
The Teaching Toolbox
Teachers, are you looking for interactive games? Videos? Field trip resources?
New ideas for teaching the founding documents, or just a fun classroom
activity? Now you can make OCLRE your rst stop for civics and social studies
teaching resources with our new online Teaching Toolbox! Our revamped
teacher resources collection offers up-to-date resources organized by topic,
plus OCLRE program resources in an easy-to-access format. Highlights include
iCivics Games, the Newseums Digital Classroom, and The Library of Con-
gress Teaching with Primary Sources Direct. The Toolbox contains resources
for teaching Ohio government, history, the state and federal courts systems,
mock trial, and much more. Check it out now at OCLRE.org/teaching-toolbox.
Explore, have fun, and tell us what you think!
Did we miss something? Tell us about a great resource we should add.
Contact Kate Strickland: katestrickland@oclre.org.
Lori U. Eiler Award for Mock Trial Coaching Excellence
Glenna McClain has advised the mock trial
team at St. Joseph High School in Ironton,
Ohio, for the past 18 years. Though Mc-
Clain retired from teaching two years ago,
she remains steadfast in her dedication to
the students. St. Joseph Mock Trial team
member Elijah Lutz nominated McClain on
behalf of his teammates.
[Ms. McClain] has taught me so much about the law, courts,
public speaking and oration. These lessonsare priceless and
have led me to wanting to pursue a career in law. Personally, she
cares deeply for her students [and] has looked after us as if we
were her own children.
Founders Award
Rick Dove is the recipient of this years
Founders Award. Rick served 20 years on
the OCLRE Board of Trustees after being
appointed in 1994 by Chief Justice Thom-
as J. Moyer. Throughout his tenure, Dove
served in every ofcer position and judged
many Mock Trial, We the People and other
OCLRE competitions. I have loved every
minute of my time with OCLRE and now
[see] lawyers in practice who were Mock
Trial participants during my early days on the board. OCLRE is
grateful to Dove for his service, leadership and support.
The rst requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that
he be able and willing to pull his own weight.
Theodore Roosevelt
On behalf of the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education and its Board of Trustees, it is a pleasure to announce the 2014
recipients of OCLREs highest honors.
4 5
OCLRE Awards History
Founders
2002 Benson Wolman, Susan Gellman, Jim Phillips,
Anthony Celebrezze, Jr.
2003 Patricia Allen Day
2004 Alvin Bell
2005 Dwight Groce
2006 Akron Bar Association, Sherri Bevan Walsh
2007 David Naylor
2008 Rodney Barnes
2009 Thomas Moyer
2010 Shirley Seaton
2011 Justice Robert and Libby Cupp
2012 Ken Donchatz, Deborah DeHaan
2013 Bill Weisenberg
2014 Rick Dove
Eiler
1998 Lori Eiler Cleveland Shaw High School
1999 Dick Smith Marysville High School
2000 Cynthia Fazio St. Xavier High School
2001 Dale Hutzelman Lakota West High School
2002 Russell Curtis Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School
2003 Denny Lyle Sylvania Southview High School
2004 John Quinn Mt. Gilead High School
2005 Tim Taylor Oak Hills High School
2006 Michael Boller Lehman Catholic High School
2007 Steve Reger Indian Hill High School
2008 Bernie Wong Indian Hill High School
2009 Kevin Hillery Archbishop Hoban High School
2010 Joy Day Ashland High School
2011 Chris Amedeo Jackson High School
2012 Paul Nick Thomas Worthington High School
2013 Jeff Schobert Archbishop Hoban High School
2014 Glenna McClain St. Joseph High School (Ironton)
Founding Documents and Primary
Sources
Professor Andrew Wehrman, Marietta
College, will present on the Northwest
Ordinance, Northwest Territories, and the
founding of Marietta. Bob Priest and Mark
Dickman are classroom teachers who will
demonstrate effective, engaging authen-
tic assessments for teaching founding
documents. Ryan Cairney from the Ohio
History Connection will share resources and strategies for teach-
ing founding documents. Charlene Volk Center on Congress
at Indiana University will use hands-on activities to explore the
primary sources at the Library of Congress.
Elections
Public opinion polling shapes how politi-
cians plan and execute. But how do polls
work? How reliable are they? How do they
inuence people? Dr. John Green, direc-
tor of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied
Politics at the University of Akron will share
his expertise to help teachers tackle the
2014 elections in the classroom. Darrel
Rowland, Public Affairs Editor, Columbus
Dispatch, will discuss how media shapes elections and the rela-
tionship between the media, candidates and election coverage.
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor has
developed a three-point plan to improve judicial elections in Ohio.
Join the Chief Justice for a candid discussion about judicial elec-
tions and the proposed reform.
Law & Courts
Living in a democratic society, its impor-
tant to understand how rules and laws are
made. Michael ONeill from the Legisla-
tive Service Commission will go beyond the
Schoolhouse Rock song and explain how a
bill really becomes law in Ohio. Adrienne
Gavula and Lisa Wurm from the American
Civil Liberties Union of Ohio will share new
and practical ways to teach public policy.
Mary Beth Tinker will share her experience as the namesake of a
landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision for students First Amend-
ment rights and how she continues to advocate today.
Discounts!
Havent attended the conference before? Register as a rst-timer
and save big. Have you been coming to the conference for years
and want a fellow teacher to attend, too? Take advantage of the
discounted colleague rate!
Lessons, Resources, Networking, and Graduate Credit
Attending the conference is just the beginning. Participants will
receive a ash drive of 25+ ready-to-use lessons, websites, and
resources that can be used throughout the year. Network with
colleagues and share tips and strategies. Need graduate credit?
One graduate credit from Ashland University is offered for a fee.
Get all the details and register today at www.oclre.org/programs/LnC.
Prof. Andrew Wehrman
Chief Justice OConnor
Mary Beth Tinker
2014 Law & Citizenship Conference-
Learn from those in the know
By Kate Strickland, Deputy Director
Its been a long time since I sat in eighth
grade American History class, but there
are a few things I still remember quite
well. For starters, I had a seat by the door,
which allowed me to linger a bit longer
in the hallway to chat with friends and
still make it to my seat by the time the
bell rang. That seat also happened to be
right next to my best friend, who may
or may not have occasionally interrupted
my listening to instruction (and vice
versa) with side conversation. But the real
reason American History and its lessons
are remembered are because of a great
teacher: Jared Reitz.
Many OCLRE members and friends know
Jared as the organizations recently-
retired director of programs. However,
prior to working for OCLRE, Jared taught
for 30 years in my hometown of Piqua,
Ohio. Jareds excitement and passion for
his work was hard for even the least-
engaged students to ignore. His classroom
was a true democracy; every thought
and question had the right to be heard
and discussed. He genuinely wanted
his students to learn, understand and
apply. He understood and believed in the
purpose of teaching about our nations
history and its founding principles so
that we may all one day grow to be
better, more informed contributors to
society. This understanding and passion
no doubt led to Jareds involvement in
OCLRE programs, rst implementing in
his own classroom and ultimately joining
the OCLRE staff after his retirement from
teaching.
As a young woman fresh out of college
and practicing social work, it was Jared
who introduced me to OCLREs Youth for
Justice program, which I implemented
with some of my small groups. For the
students with whom I worked, Youth for
Justice provided a rare opportunity for
empowerment, a chance to have their
voices heard and to offer their ideas for
addressing injustices they and their peers
experienced. Seeing those students faces
light up at the seemingly-simple question,
what do you think? was a joy, and
truly a teachable moment for many who
werent often asked that question at
home or at school. As Jared often says,
for a teacher, it doesnt get any better
than that.
Though I miss working directly with
students, I am fortunate to work with
teachers and to know the impact OCLRE
programs make on students throughout
the state. OCLRE is grateful to the
hundreds of teachers who, despite all the
other must dos, embrace its programs
as a way of bringing citizenship to life for
their students.
Thinking back to that eighth grade
classroom at Wilder Junior High, I can
still conjure a few classmates names
and faces. I am no longer in touch with
many of them, but I do know that among
us there are nurses, accountants, and
entrepreneurs. But Im sure there are
teachers. In fact, among them is that best
friend of mine who, it seems, was indeed
listening in class. Thank you, Jared, for
inspiring us to be good citizens and life-
long learners. And for allowing one of us
(me!) to remain a student in Mr. Reitzs
class a while longer.
6 7
Jared with Rutherford B. Hayes (not a former student)
Teachers make every other
profession possible. Unknown
InspirED: Students stories about educators
who inspire
6 7
Mr. Browning (and class) Goes to Washington
Mike Browning, teacher at Gahanna Mid-
dle School South, took his eighth grade
class to Washington, D.C. to participate in
the National We the People Middle School
Showcase. Here, Browning recounts the
journey, which started in the classroom
and was fueled by students preparation
and enthusiasm.
Gahanna Middle School South imple-
mented the We the People curriculum in
its eighth grade accelerated English and
American History classes in 2009 and,
since the rst year, the program has been
an incredibly rewarding experience for
the students. We the People, created by
the Center for Civic Education, teaches
Constitutional issues through simulated
legislative hearings.
Over the past few years, our students
have expressed interest in increasing their
commitment to We the People. In August,
2013, I met with the building administra-
tors (Ms. Robin Murdock and Mr. Denver
Fowler) about the possibility of taking
We the People students to the National
Showcase at George Mason University,
just outside Washington D.C. The main
obstacle was the logistics of organizing
such a trip. The rst step was to contact
WorldStrides Travel to learn the dates,
costs, and fundraising opportunities. The
next step was to see if the students and
their parents had a genuine interest in par-
ticipating in the national competition. Any
questions I initially had about whether this
trip would become reality ended when the
response from the students and parents
was unanimous in favor of competing
against the best We the People teams in
the United States. The nal hurdle was to
get approval from the Gahanna Jefferson
Board of Education, which was granted in
November 2013.
We then had two obstacles to tackle: fun-
draising and academic preparation. The
estimated cost per student was $1,250.
Fundraising efforts were organized to
help offset the costs. Students partici-
pated in a Yankee Candle sale, worked
the concession stand at school basketball
games and wrote letters to more than 300
local attorneys and businesses requesting
donations. These efforts raised more than
$6000. I reached out to former students
through social media to seek contribu-
tions to help fund the trip. To my surprise,
more than $1500 came through the mail,
in some cases from those who had not
been Gahanna South students in over two
decades. With the success of the fundrais-
ing, the cost per student was lowered to
approximately $850.
Equally important was preparing stu-
dents for the academic challenges that lie
ahead. I divided my class into six groups,
with each group preparing for one of the
six unit presentations. I enlisted the help
of six local attorneys, so each group had
a legal mentor. The legal mentors pro-
vided feedback to the students and also
taught them how to do legal research.
An English teacher colleague conducted
writers workshops, to provide in-
struction and feedback for the students
written presentations. I helped students to
develop public speaking skills and worked
with them to prepare for the follow-up
question and answer portion of the simu-
lated hearings.
Three weeks prior to the national com-
petition, a practice round was held at the
Gahanna South library. Parents, communi-
ty members, teachers and district admin-
istrators were invited, and a guest panel
of judges was assembled that included a
state representative, the executive director
of the Ohio Center for Law Related Educa-
tion and a local attorney. The practice
round was videotaped, which allowed
the class to analyze and determine what
improvements were needed.
On April 4, 2014, our We the People team
set out for the national competition. The
students preparation paid off and their
dedication never waned. Ultimately, the
Gahanna South team nished in fourth
place at the national competition.
Besides taking part in the We the People
competition, the students had the oppor-
tunity to sight-see in our nations capital.
Among the highlights, the students were
given a special tour of the U.S. Capitol
from Gahanna South alumna Cory Fritz,
communications director for House
Speaker John Boehner. The students were
on the oor of the U.S. House of Repre-
sentatives and in the ofce and private
balcony of Speaker Boehner, among other
areas of the Capitol building. Sara Igdaloff
Luck, a Washington D.C. attorney and
Gahanna South alumna, spoke to the stu-
dents about how she overcomes anxiety
when presenting a case. Students also
spent time at the Smithsonian Institute,
the National Archives, Mount Vernon,
Arlington National Cemetery and many of
the monuments.
Students had the opportunity to fully
explore the nations capital, but many
expressed that participating in the We the
People showcase was the most memorable
experience. The parental support was
overwhelming, and the building and dis-
trict administration have already pledged
their support for Gahanna South to send
a team to the 2015 We the People National
Middle School Showcase.
Editors Note: On August 8, 2014, Mike
Browning was selected as an American
Lawyers Alliance National Middle School
Law-Related Teacher of the Year. The Na-
tional Teacher of the Year Award recogniz-
es teachers who have made outstanding
contributions to law-related education.
Browning, back right, with his class in Washington, D.C.
Go behind the scenes of Ohios government and meet those in the
seats of power in the legislative, executive and judicial branches...
Join us January 13-14, 2015!
Place-based learning
Teaching to SB 165
Original texts the Ohio Constitution
Meet with members of the General Assembly and Justices of
the Supreme Court of Ohio
See the Supreme Court in session
Participate in tours and simulations
Take home ready-to-use lesson plans, activities and resources
What past participants say about OGIA:
I networked, learned a great deal, and left with solid material I
can use. Quite the trifecta.
This conference provided real knowledge concerning the three
branches of government.
[B]y far the best professional development I have ever
attended!
Get the Go-To Resource for Government Teachers
Government in Action: A Content Manual for Teachers with
Classroom Applications has been reprinted by the Ohio Center for
Law-Related Education and is for sale. Written by Dr. David Naylor
and Dr. Bruce Smith, both from the University of Cincinnati, content
includes the nature of government, our federal system, Ohios
history and Constitution, the three branches of Ohio government
and more. Government in Action has been reviewed by teachers
who found it the go to resource for teaching the requirements of
Senate Bill 165 which includes U.S. and Ohio founding documents.
Cost: Members $10 Non Members $15
9
Helping Students Deliver Top-Notch Presentations
Whether preparing for We the
People, Mock Trial, Moot Court,
Youth for Justice - or, frankly, any
presentation it is not uncommon
for students to express reservations
about public speaking. Even the
most poised and prepared may feel
anxious, and anxiety can negatively
impact ones presentation.
Ed Krauss, veteran We the People
judge and mediator with more
than 20 years of experience, has
offered his suggestions to help
students prepare for the oft-dread-
ed oral presentation. The following was written as a reection
following the 2014 High School We the People State Competition,
but Mr. Krausss suggestions are relevant no matter the program
or presentation setting.
During the initial responses, students are usually so well prepared that they
read - or recite from memory while barely consulting their notes - their pre-
sentations. They barely take a breath. They often end with 20 or so seconds
left on their time.
In mediation we have a saying: Silence is your friend. People need time
to digest information, especially fact and history-loaded sentences. Three
seconds is a long time, and twenty seconds would provide six or more two
or three-second pauses. Presenters would do well to practice two or three-
second pauses (which will seem like a long time to them) after key points or
the end of paragraphs. The judges will have a few precious seconds to digest
and consider, and the points will have greater impact.
It is common for the teams to be well-prepared, even excellent, in the initial
portion. That means two things; that of course teams must be strong in that
portion of the competition (because almost every team is strong), and that the
difference often occurs in the question and answer, no-notes second portion.
Things to avoid in this portion:
Starting sentences with I think. One or two times arent a problem, but
try to limit or eliminate the phrase.
Inserting ones religious beliefs, or citing religious teachings as the basis for
laws or legislation.
Failing to take a moment to consider the question. There is no penalty for
gathering thoughts before responding. (See three-second pause, above.)
8
Teachers Take the Action Back to the
Classroom: Ohio Government in Action
Let us never forget that government is ourselves
and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers
of democracy are not a president and senators and
congressmen and government ofcials, but the voters
of this country. Franklin D. Roosevelt
9
OCLRE Members Selected to Attend Supreme
Court Summer Institute
By P.J. Babb, teacher, West Carrollton
High School
Two Ohio teachers and OCLRE members
were selected to participate in the Street
Law Supreme Court Summer Institute for
Teachers in Washington, D.C. Amanda
Ferrell (formerly with Nordonia High
School) and P.J. Babb (West Carrollton
High School) spent six days of in-depth
study with a select group of teachers from
across the nation. Here, Ms. Babb shares
her experience and how it will impact her
teaching, including preparing her students
for the annual OCLRE We the People
competition.
I had the privilege of participating in the
Supreme Court Summer Institute for
Teachers from June 26-July1. I was one of
30 educators chosen nationwide to attend
this Institute. We worked in the classroom
for 35 hours learning about current cases
before the Court, the day-to-day functions
of the Court, how cases are selected, the
personalities of the current Justices, and
left with a wealth of ready-to-use resources
for the classroom. Each of our sessions
included Dynamic Outside Resource People
(DORPs), including attorneys that argued
cases before the Court, Appellate Judges,
previous Court clerks, media personnel that
cover the Court, interest group leaders,
and professors.
The highlight of the week, however, was
being in the Court on Monday, June 30,
the nal day of the Courts term, when
they announced their decisions in the nal
cases, including the Hobby Lobby case. To
be there for the bench announcements and
hear the justices explain their reasoning
for the decision was monumental and
an experience I will never forget. That
evening our group of educators returned
to the Supreme Court for a reception
where we had the opportunity to meet
Justice Samuel Alito, author of the majority
opinion of both the decisions announced
that morning from the bench.
Additionally, I was able to collaborate
with 29 other educators from across the
nation. This allowed me to consider ideas
for integration of the new resources in
the classroom and to discuss education
in general with people from various
backgrounds and areas of the country. I
left Washington, D.C. with a much more
comprehensive understanding of the
operation of the Court and a variety of
resources that I can easily adapt in all
my American Government courses. I
also participated in a Moot Court that I
will denitely be incorporating into my
classroom as my students prepare for
the annual We the People Competition in
January.
The Institute was by far the most
educational and worthwhile professional
development experience of my 15
year teaching career and I am excited
to integrate my new resources and
knowledge in my classroom this fall. I
feel privileged to have been chosen to
participate in this priceless experience
and I am thankful to the Supreme Court
Historical Society, Street Law and West
Carrollton Schools for their support in this
endeavor.
Historians & Grammarians: Take Note!
An article published recently in The New York Times (July 2, 2014) draws attention to punctuation in the ofcial transcript of the
Declaration of Independence which, perhaps, changes its meaning. Read the article here. What do you think? What do your students
think? Spark lively classroom discussion and debate, and remind students that, no matter ones perspective or interpretation,
punctuation has power.
Babb at the U.S. Supreme Court.
10 11
Sponsor Spotlight: Ohio State Bar Association
Resources for Teachers & Students
Whats In It for Me?
Constitution Day Sept. 17
Special thanks to Taylor Webb, intern, Ohio State Bar Association
OCLRE is fortunate to be sponsored by four organizations that
support its mission, to the benet of countless teachers and
students across the state. The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA)
and its charitable arm, the Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF),
provide resources that promote understanding of the law and how
courts work. Many of these resources are useful for students and
teachers and complement OCLREs own programs and resources.
The mission of the OSBF is to promote public understanding of
the law and to improve the justice system. Not only does the OSBF
help to support OCLREs programs with grant money, but it also
provides resources for students and teachers through the projects
of its Fellows classes. One resource available through the OSBF
website is O.P.E.N. Court, a series of three videos intended to
help youth with developmental disabilities prepare for a court
appearance. The videos follow Henry through his experience in
the juvenile justice system. The videos and accompanying resource
guide address the emotional and practical issues that a child with
developmental disabilities may face, and provide information
about child and caregiver rights. Another OSBF resource for
teachers and students is Constitution Classroom, an extensive
program providing educators with tools they need to teach the
U.S. Constitution.
The OSBA serves the needs of its member lawyers across Ohio.
In addition, it provides resources to help improve the publics
understanding of the law. The OSBA website offers a host of
public information resources, many of which are funded by the
OSBF.
Specically appropriate for older high school students is the OSBA
fact sheet, Now Youre 18, which briey outlines the legal rights
and responsibilities that come with entry into adulthood. Another
OSBA resource suitable for use in the classroom is LawFacts, a
collection of 30 pamphlets that cover topics as diverse as trafc
law, jury service, divorce and preparing for a legal career. For a
comprehensive overview of Ohio law written in consumer friendly
language, The Law & You: A Legal Handbook for Ohio Consumers
and Journalists, is available in e-book or PDF form, and hard copies
are also available.
Students and teachers may also wish to peruse the large and
frequently updated archive of Law You Can Use articles through
the OSBA website. A search box allows visitors to search topics
of interest from among the 600+ articles in the archive. These
articles provide general legal information that includes topics of
interest to teachers and students, such as penalties for youths
who commit serious crimes; school privacy, violence, suspensions
and expulsions; legal rights for students with disabilities; school
concerns related to divorce or separation; bullying; and sharing
information online.
Another OSBA resource is a YouTube video titled Going to
Court. This animated video is a basic introduction to the judicial
branch that shows what kinds of cases are handled by various
courts on the local, state and federal levels.
The collaborative efforts between OCLRE and its sponsors are
intended to benet Ohios teachers and students. In addition
to the OCLRE Teaching Toolbox, we hope youll take a look at
the resources our sponsor organizations have provided to help
your students better understand and appreciate the law and our
judicial system.
Relating to the Constitution can be a daunting task for students. Before they invest time and energy to learn something, they ask
Whats in it for me? As a teacher, you also want to know Whats in it for me?when presented with teaching resources about free
speech or due process. These valid questions are at the heart of the Ohio State Bar Foundations Constitution Classroom. If you want
to make Constitution Day-September 17th-or any other day of the year with your students creative and productive, visit OSBF Con-
stitution Classroom and seize these free, downloadable materials. No warrant necessary.
You will nd
Materials researched by lawyers but written for teachers and students. No need to do any last minute research
More than 150 pages of content, lesson plans, activities and interactive PowerPoints to use in your classroom
Updated Supreme Court cases that deal with actual students and issues they face today
Lessons charted for easy reference to Ohio Benchmark Standards

And
Committed lawyers who will teach these lessons with you any day of the year, including September 17th
For more information, contact Beth Gillespie at bgillespie@osbf.net or 614-487-4474.
10 11
By Priya Sonty,
J.D.
Program
Coordinator
Moot Court
and Mock Trial
programs
In the last issue of
the Reporter, we
announced OCLREs
new Moot Court
program. After the close of a successful
rst year, OCLRE is reecting on how
everything came together, and if you
werent able to join us last year, this article
will inspire you to participate in 2015!
So, how does Moot Court differ from
Mock Trial? Moot Court is all about the
appellate process when, following a
trial verdict, one of the parties seeks to
appeal the decision to a higher court. In
Moot Court, there is no jury, no witnesses,
and no presentation of evidence, all of
which are elements of a trial. Instead, an
attorney advocates the position of his/
her client to a panel of volunteer attorney
judges. Judges may interrupt at any time
to ask questions or attempt to dismantle
an argument by highlighting case facts
that are unfavorable to the students
position. Students must be prepared to
think on their feet in order to answer
judges questions. They will likely have
to deviate from prepared remarks, only
to have to get back on track. While Mock
Trial is all about proving the validity and
persuasiveness of the facts of a case,
Moot Court requires that students argue
whether the trial decision was correct as a
matter of interpretation of law and policy.
Furthermore, the writing component
of Moot Court sets the competition
apart if students dont have a chance
to fully make their argument orally in
front of the judges during questioning,
there is opportunity to lay out every
piece of their thought process in the
form of a persuasive legal brief. Briefs are
also reviewed and scored by volunteer
attorneys.
The skills that Moot Court hones are
those essential to being an exceptional
attorney advocate. An advocate must be
knowledgeable about the law, masterful
in determining when to emphasize which
facts, compliant with court decorum and
proper procedure, mindful of due process,
fair-minded and respectful toward
adversaries, devoted to their client,
helpful to the court, honest, and above
all, credible and persuasive. Writing a brief
highlights the important skill of analyzing
a large volume of information and
distilling it, learning how to distinguish
fact from opinion, and organizing an
argument by the students determination
of what the important issues are rather
than by a chronological narrative of
facts. A student must not only know
the best facts, but also which facts are
detrimental and why, and how to defend
against them. Preparing oral arguments
helps students develop presentation skills
as well as professionalism and ethics.
They learn how to apply law to facts,
to structure and rank legal arguments
by strength, and how to maintain
composure when interrupted by a judge.
Overall, participation in Moot Court
builds character. Students are often each
others best teachers, and the interactions
they have with one another through
team-building and competing against
adversaries will teach them a lot about
leadership skills and group problem-
solving.
OCLRE is excited to develop the 2015
Moot Court case with the help of its case
and competition committees, and we look
forward to recruiting the participation of
even more schools and students in the
coming year.
If you are wondering how to get involved
in OCLREs Moot Court program, or
would like more information, please
contact me at psonty@oclre.org.
Moot Court Program Off to a Fabulous Start
Sponsors
Supreme Court of Ohio
Attorney General of Ohio
Ohio State Bar Association
American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio
Foundation
Corporate & Charitable Funders
Ohio State Bar Foundation
Columbus State Community College
Kroger
$500 - $999
Anonymous
Richard Dove, Esq.
$200 - $499
Lisa Eschleman
John Quinn
Marion Smithberger
$100 - $199
Douglas Buchanan & Christine Ardley
Thomas Friedman, Esq.
$50 - $99
Andrew Markiewitz, in honor of Steve
Reger & Dan Wenstrup

$26 - $49
Carrie Gleeson,
in honor of Dave Chordas
Michael & Laura Jaffe,
in honor of Robert Rivera
Susan Hamlin Scanlon
Vicky Unger, in memory of Diana Meeks
Up to $25
Daniel Strunk
TCS Software
Thank You, Donors!
The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education is grateful to the following individuals and organizations for their kind and generous sup-
port of our mission to partner with teachers to bring citizenship to life. Donations listed were given between August 1, 2013 and July
31, 2014. Many parents recognized teachers who have made a difference in their childrens lives. Congratulations and thank you!
Dissent is not sacred; the right of
dissent is Thurman Arnold
Reporter
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 4247
P.O. Box 16562
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6562
1700 Lake Shore Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43204
614-485-3510
Toll free 877-485-3510
www.oclre.org
2014-2015 Schedule of Events
SEPTEMBER
20 Mock Trial professional development
21 Law and Citizenship Conference
22 Law and Citizenship Conference
OCTOBER
15 We the People professional development
NOVEMBER
5 Youth for Justice/Project Citizen professional development
13 Moot Court professional development
18 Middle School Mock Trial professional development
JANUARY
13 Ohio Government in Action (tentative)
14 Ohio Government in Action (tentative)
23 We the People High School Competition
30 High School Mock Trial District Competition
FEBRUARY
20 High School Mock Trial Regional Competition
MARCH
12 High School Mock Trial State Finals
13 High School Mock Trial State Finals
14 High School Mock Trial Championship Round
18 Moot Court professional development

APRIL
15 Middle School Mock Trial Showcase
16 Middle School Mock Trial Showcase
17 Middle School Mock Trial Showcase

MAY
12 Middle School We the People Showcase
15 Project Citizen/Youth for Justice Virtual Summit
19 Moot Court Competition