A group of UW Law School students, led by Clinical Associate Professor Michele LaVigne, has been working with high school juniors from the School for the Deaf, in Delavan, Wisconsin, since January, teaching courtroom skills that culminate in this mock trial.
This is the third year of the WSD mock trial. This year's fictitious case - "Jason Kogan v. George W. Bush High School & the Weeping Willow School District" is a sexual harassment case in which a boy claims he was sexually harassed by girls and the school did nothing to prevent it. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Sarah O'Brien will be presiding. The jury will be composed of members of the Deaf community in Madison. Voicing for the benefit of those who do not understand signing will be provided by professional interpreters.
This year, the project has been supported by contributions from Attorney David Walsh at Foley & Lardner and from the firm itself. This came about through the efforts of alumnus Chris Hanewicz, now an associate at Foley & Lardner, who was an enthusiastic participant in the WSD project when he was a law student at UW, and who has continued his interest beyond graduation.
The trial presentation is open to anyone who would like to stop by, even if you are unable to stay for the entire trial. A reception will follow.
Anyone wanting to learn more about this project may contact project director Michele LaVigne, at the Law School's Frank J. Remington Center, 262-9859.
Submitted by on April 2, 2001
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