STAMFORD, CT—Students in Mr. Morest’s AP/UConn ECE American Government and Politics class stepped into the roles of Supreme Court Justices, attorneys, and reporters in a mock trial of Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos. The case, based on a real lawsuit, examined whether Mexico could sue the American gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson for allegedly contributing to gun violence within its borders.
Held in AITE’s Media Center, the hearing featured students presenting arguments on both sides of the case. The central issue was whether the company should be held legally responsible for crimes committed in another country. After a day of thoughtful debate, the student Justices ruled in favor of Smith & Wesson in a 7-2 decision, agreeing that the company could not be held accountable for the violence.
This hands-on experience provided students with a deeper understanding of the legal system and how Supreme Court cases are argued and decided. “It was a really cool way to see how real court cases work,” said one participant.
As the actual U.S. Supreme Court considers this case, AITE students had the unique opportunity to step into the roles of real Justices and lawyers, making for an engaging and educational experience.
