Law & Justice Academy
A three-day, Hawaiʻi-based mock trial experience that introduces high school students to law, the courts, and civic leadership.
Next session: To be announced. Check back or contact us to be notified when registration opens.
Read About the Most Recent SessionAbout the Academy
The Law & Justice Academy is a three-day mock trial program for public and private high school students in Hawaiʻi. Each Academy is held at a University of Hawaiʻi campus and at a local courthouse, giving students a firsthand look at how our courts and legal system work. Through a Hawaiʻi-specific mock trial problem, students build skills in discussion, debate, analysis, and advocacy while learning directly from judges, attorneys, and community leaders.
What Students Do
8 Academy Activities- 1
Preparing for and taking part in a mock trial involving a jurisdiction-specific issue
- 2
Organizing arguments for clarity and rhetorical effectiveness
- 3
Discussing how context, history, and civic responsibility inform legal decision-making
- 4
Learning about college and law school pathways
- 5
Attending classes taught by lawyers and judges
- 6
Visiting the judiciary and meeting judges and court staff
- 7
Meeting local attorneys, court staff, and other business leaders
- 8
Visiting a culturally significant site and engaging with local community leaders
Goal
Program OverviewThe three-day Academy introduces high school students to issues of law and justice, builds skills in discussion, debate, analysis, and advocacy, and gives students the tools and inspiration to become active, involved citizens in their communities.
To that end, the Civic Engagement Committee designs a curriculum unique to each community. Another key goal of the program is to grow interest in college, law school, and legal careers among young people from backgrounds and populations traditionally underrepresented among attorneys, judges, and political decision-makers.
How to Participate
Enrollment is carefully advertised and processed to ensure diversity within each cohort of student participants. Community leaders from each jurisdiction across Hawaiʻi work with and mentor Academy participants. While the program centers on a mock trial problem, the Civic Engagement Committee values support and leadership from non-litigation sectors of the community — so community leaders represent broad stakeholders, including attorneys in law-related careers such as business, banking, and politics.
Contact to Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Law & Justice Academy?
The Academy is open to public and private high school students across Hawaiʻi. Enrollment is advertised and processed each year to ensure a diverse cohort of participants.
How long is the program?
The Law & Justice Academy is a three-day program held at a University of Hawaiʻi campus and a local courthouse.
Is there a cost to participate?
Contact the PACE Commission for current enrollment details, eligibility, and any costs associated with your island’s Academy.
How can my school or community get involved?
Community leaders, attorneys, and business professionals are invited to mentor participants and support the program. Contact us to learn about volunteering.
In the News
Civic Engagement Forum at Kauaʻi Community College Encourages Public Participation
ʻEwa Makai Middle, Waialua High & Intermediate Recognized as Inaugural Middle-Level Schools of Democracy
Kauaʻi Law and Justice Academy Inspires Civic Engagement and Legal Learning
Governor Green Proclaims September 17, 2025 as Constitution and Citizenship Day in Hawaiʻi