This fall MHS was one of 12 schools to participate in the 4th annual Missouri Constitution Project. Started by Texas County Associate Circuit Judge Douglas Gaston, the program is now sponsored by the Missouri Supreme Court’s Committee on Civic Education. After a kickoff at the Missouri State Capitol, each school selected a crime scene investigation unit, a journalism team, and a trial advocacy team. With the help of the Missouri Highway Patrol, project organizers set up a mock crime scene complete with a victim, a witness, and a suspect. Student investigators were required to appropriately collect evidence, interview witnesses, advise suspects of their constitutional rights, and submit a completed police report. Journalism teams conducted a press conference with the investigators and produced both print and video news articles. Finally, the trial team conducted a mock trial using the evidence collected, with the student investigators called as witnesses.
MHS students traveled to the St. Louis University Law School to hold the mock trial. Moberly was the defense team, and Cardinal Ritter Preparatory School was the prosecution team. Teams were awarded points to determine the overall winner. Three regional winners as well as an All-Star team competed one final time in Jefferson City on November 9th. Hannah Field represented Moberly on the All-Star team. Students enjoyed the interactive project and learning more about how the constitution protects all American’s rights.