Inaugural Historic Mock Trial and Moot Court Event

On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court opened its doors to the 7th and 8th grade classes at St. Mary's Interparochial School. Justice Daniel D. McCaffery presided over the mock trial of Alexander Campbell, a man accused planning the murder of Benjamin Yost, a mine boss in Schuylkill County. After the 7th graders announced their verdict, the 8th graders took Mr. Campbell's case on appeal. Justices Kevin M. Dougherty, Sallie Updyke Mundy, and Daniel D. McCaffery were joined by six student justices to hear Mr. Campbell's and the Commonwealth's arguments.

Partnering with The Rendell Center for Civics and Civics Education, this event is part of a pilot program to open courthouse doors and expand students' opportunities to learn about government in action. The students learned about immigration, labor rights, and the concept prejudice at trial, as well as developing critical thinking skills and turning abstract reasoning into real decisions.