CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition Rescheduled to March 5-6, 2026

The U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, in partnership with the NMI Bar Association, has rescheduled the 26th Annual CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition to March 5-6, 2026. The event will take place at the United States Courthouse in Gualo Rai, featuring seven high schools from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota competing for the opportunity to represent the Commonwealth at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Des Moines, Iowa, in May 2026.

The competition allows students to assume roles as attorneys and witnesses, providing hands-on experience in trial procedures, rules of evidence, and advocacy within a real courtroom setting. This year's case, Cruz v. Vic’s Vâporium, involves a lawsuit filed by the parents of a high school sophomore who died after using an e-cigarette, raising issues of liability and underage access to vaping products.

The event was initially scheduled for February 5-6, 2026, but was postponed due to uncertainties regarding federal judiciary funding. The current law funds the federal government, including the judiciary, only through January 30, 2026. Without new funding legislation, the judiciary's supplemental funding would not last beyond February 4, 2026, affecting non-essential activities like the mock trial competition. To minimize disruption, the competition was rescheduled to March.

The U.S. District Court extends its best wishes to all participating students and thanks teachers, attorney-coaches, volunteers, and partners for their flexibility and commitment. The community is invited to attend the awards ceremony on March 6 at 11:00 a.m., where outstanding performances and the Commonwealth’s representative to the national championship will be announced.