AP Political Science Students Step into the Courtroom

Montini Catholic AP Political Science students participated in a mock Supreme Court trial on Thursday, January 29th during class.  Under the guidance of teacher, Mr. Alex Zasso, the students worked in assigned teams as lawyers or judges to research, analyze, and argue the case for both the prosecution and defense sides.  On the docket this day "Trump v. Barbara" which refers to a major U.S. Supreme Court case challenging President Donald Trump's executive order that attempts to end birthright citizenship for children of certain non-citizens, with oral arguments set for April 1, 2026, and a ruling expected in summer 2026, and impacting the 14th Amendment.

The case, brought by groups like the ACLU, argues the order is unconstitutional, while supporters claim it's within Congress's power and historical precedent, creating a legal battle over who is a U.S. citizen by birth.  (President Trump petitioned the Supreme Court to review a preliminary injunction against an executive order restricting citizenship.)

 

“Incorporating mock trials into the classroom helps students develop a wide range of essential skills,” said Zasso. “They learn to work collaboratively, think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, while also building confidence and refining their persuasive writing and public speaking abilities.” 

 

While the ruling is expected after May, Zasso has encouraged his students to remain engaged and stay up to date on the decision.