Ravens Advance to National Moot Court Tournament

Call them bold, brave and articulate.

Eight Benedictine College students and Constitutional Fellows participated in the South Central Regional Tournament of the American Moot Court Association. Hosted by the Texas Tech Law School, this competition occurred in Lubbock, TX on November 18-19.

Participating in a Moot Court is one of the many program highlights provided by The Center for Constitutional Liberty. Moot Court is a valuable learning method for developing oratory and legal advocacy skills. In this co-curricular activity, students prepare to participate in a simulated Supreme Court oral argument that deals with a current constitutional controversy.
Ravens John Welte and Michael Posegate fought their way to the semifinal round of the tournament and will advance to the national Moot Court tournament in January.

Benedictine Constitutional Fellows Isaac Michael and Anne Marie Ledoux made their way to the octo-finals. “The Constitutional Fellowship has afforded me the opportunity to put into practice principles our Founding Fathers intended us to utilize. Being a Fellow has tremendously enhanced my experience of scholarship as we read and prepare for the competitive programs, such as the Moot Court competition, together,” stated Michael.

Anne Marie won one of the 10 individual orator awards. Ledoux said that “There is no better way to learn about the Constitution than to debate it. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to advocate for a position and answer questions from judges. More importantly, learning the ins and outs of the legal system alongside my peers has taught me about the virtue of justice, giving that “community, faith and scholarship” that Benedictine is all about. I have gained critical thinking skills that will aid me the rest of my life.”

The Center for Constitutional Liberty is an initiative of Benedictine College’s visionary plan to Transform Culture in America by promoting the virtues of democratic citizenship with its mission to renew and advance the understanding of the founding principles of the United States of America, form students in the principles of democratic citizenship, and launch a new generation of leaders in public service.

As part of its plan, the College seeks to extend Benedictine’s unique formation in community, faith and scholarship to off-campus audiences. The intercollegiate legal advocacy that is fostered through the Moot Court competitions directly relates to the American constitutional system and the College’s vision to support a renaissance of public spiritedness.

“We’re proud of our students and their enthusiasm for promoting the understanding of the founding principles of America – constitutionalism, self-government, individual liberty and civic virtue,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis.