Mock Trial and Constitutional Law Seminar
Learn the foundations of American law and hone your advocacy skills in this immersive course!
In this week-long seminar, you will explore the US Constitution and its impact on our legal system while developing the skills needed to present and argue cases in a courtroom setting. Through the study of landmark Supreme Court decisions, you will gain a deeper understanding of core constitutional principles — especially those protected by the First Amendment — as well as rights under the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, and 14th Amendments.
At the same time, you’ll learn and practice the core elements of trial advocacy, including:
- Delivering opening statements
- Conducting direct and cross examinations
- Using appropriate objections
- Working with evidence
- Presenting persuasive closing arguments
You will receive ongoing feedback from the instructor — an experienced attorney and mock trial coach — to help you strengthen both your legal reasoning and public speaking skills. Whether you’re passionate about constitutional rights, interested in trial practice, or simply want to improve your ability to analyze and present complex ideas, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to grow and challenge yourself. This course offers content and life skills that will be invaluable to all students, for those who wish to pursue law-related careers, and those who wish to become more informed, engaged, and impactful participants in our democracy.
Experiential Learning
This course emphasizes active, hands-on learning. You will work collaboratively to examine and discuss key Supreme Court decisions and explore how those rulings impact current legal and social issues.
You’ll then apply your understanding of constitutional law in a series of engaging mock trial exercises, where you will take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses as you advocate for your “client” and practice courtroom skills.
By the end of the week, you will have a deeper understanding of American law — and greater confidence in your ability to think, speak, and advocate with clarity and conviction.
Instructor
David Scott, JD
David Scott is a licensed attorney and longtime educator in the fields of Law and Civics. He recently retired after 32 years of leadership in K-12 Law-Related Education, most recently as the Coordinator of Project PATCH, the Law-Related Education Program of the Northport - East Northport Union Free School District. At Stony Brook University, he teaches School Law in the Educational Leadership Program for the School of Professional Development. He also teaches courses in leadership and “Legislation and Advocacy” in the MA in Liberal Studies program.
Scott has been recognized at the state and
national level for his teaching and leadership in Law-Related /
Civic Education. Awards include the American Bar Association’s
Isidore Starr Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education, the
Federal Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Civic
Education, the Distinguished Social Studies Educator Award from the
New York State Council for the Social Studies, the New York State
Bar Association’s Award for Distinguished Service as an
Educator, and the Bentley - Glass Award from the School of
Professional Development at Stony Brook University for Excellence in
Teaching. Scott has over 25 years experience coaching Mock
Trial and Moot Court teams. He is a proud graduate of Stony Brook
University, where he earned a BA in Social Sciences, and Touro Law
Center where he earned his Juris Doctorate.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Join us for SBU Pre-College Summer!
