Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project Celebrates 25 Years
The 2024 competition draws nearly 70 high school students from across the country
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Excitement filled the air as nearly 70 high school students from 13 Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project chapters from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project's National Moot Court Competition.
Representing chapters from diverse locations including Tempe, AZ, Lexington, KY, Pittsburg, PA, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, and Baton Rouge, LA, and more, the students brought their A-game to the prestigious event held in the nation's capital.
"Every year, the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project (MB) project hosts a national moot court competition where high school students, known in the program as scholars, use and apply real cases to a set of facts given to each project school," explained Camille Thompson, adjunct professor and director of the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project. "The scholars then create and give oral legal arguments at their regional moot court competitions. Top scorers from each regional competition are then invited to argue at the national competition."
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The Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project's 25th anniversary was marked by the 2nd annual Youth Law Summit, led by Thompson and co-hosted by WCL's Office of the Dean, Office of Academic Excellence, and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Affinity Relations, offering high school students from D.C. Public Schools, Louisiana, and Kentucky an immersive exploration of legal specialties.
On Friday, students enjoyed a memorable trip to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, immersing themselves in both legal discourse and natural wonders. The highlight of the weekend took place later that evening when Marshall-Brennan alumni, current Fellows, and scholars from across the nation gathered to honor and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marshall Brennan ahead of the rigorous competition on Saturday. Noteworthy guests of the night included the founders of the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, US Representative Jamie Raskin, and AUWCL Professor Stephen Wermiel.
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Representative Raskin presented high school student, LaShay Wallace, from Scottlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the prestigious 2024 Thomas "Tommy" Bloom Raskin Young Activist Award. This award, dedicated to Raskin's son, Tommy, recognizes outstanding leadership and community service. LaShay, known for her commitment to helping others and raising awareness about important social issues, embodies the spirit of activism and positive change.
Reflecting on the importance of service and civic engagement within the Marshall-Brennan program, Professor Maryam Ahranjani, the current Marshall-Brennan Director of the University of New Mexico School of Law chapter, shared a poignant quote by Shirley Chisholm, "Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth." Ahranjani, who has been involved with the project since its inception as a teaching fellow, national director, faculty advisor, and now chapter director, highlighted the program’s emphasis on empowering students to make a difference through legal advocacy and community engagement.
WINNERS OF THE 2024 MARSHALL-BRENNAN NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION WERE:
PETITIONER
First Place: Brianna Warren – Southern University Law Center (LA); Second Place: Anjali Dave – American University Washington College of Law (DC); Third Place: Lily Thompson – Southern University Law Center (LA)
RESPONDENT
First Place: Lexus Adams – University of New Mexico School of Law (NM); Second Place: Arianna Bates-Erlich – Colorado Chapter (CO); Third Place: Ava Weinstein – Suffolk University (MA)
The 2024 Marshall-Brennan National Moot Court Competition not only highlighted the legal talents of high school students but also underscored the program's commitment to fostering a new generation of socially aware and engaged citizens. As these young scholars continue to excel in their advocacy and activism, they serve as inspiring examples of the impact that legal education and civic engagement can have on communities nationwide.
For more information about the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project and upcoming events, visit the Marshall-Brennan website.
Click here to view the photo library. Photos by Amy Hart.
~Story by Keith Pierce.