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Does the Constitution prohibit school officials from strip-searching an eighth-grade student suspected of possessing drugs in violation of school policy?
Hunter Pre-Law students argued both sides of that question before a panel of accomplished alumni attorneys at Moot Court final arguments in President Ann Kirschner’s Conference Room on two evenings at the end of winter session.
Twelve students prepared for the challenge during a compressed three-week course, in which they learned how to use precedent, policy, and the facts to support their position and to refute their adversary’s case.
They also readied themselves for hard questions from the judges, with the goal of making a polished, professional presentation while under pressure.
The students’ hard work paid off with impressive final arguments. “It was an absolute pleasure and honor to participate with such a talented group of students,” said David Fish ’13, now senior counsel at Sumitomo Corporation, who was among the nine alumni lawyers who served on the bench. “I was moved by their passion and dedication to their work. I can’t wait to see how far they will go.”
The program has matured and developed through the efforts of Elise Jaffe, now in her 15th year as the director of the Pre-Law Program, and long-time instructors Joshua Gradinger and Amy Weiswasser.
“It's really wonderful to see what Hunter has done here and how much the students have at their disposal,” said another judge, Yosefa Lunzer ’09, who is deputy counsel at Safehold. “It's come such a long way as a result of your continued dedication.”
