The Amicus Society

To promote and support public-education related to the law and the justice system.

Since its founding in 1883, the Minnesota State Bar Association and its members have been committed to improving the general community’s understanding and support of, and access to, Minnesota’s strong justice system.  To that end, the MSBA has created the Amicus Society, an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization, whose purpose is to promote and support the provision of legal assistance in civil matters to low-income residents, and to conduct public-education campaigns related to the law, the justice system, or both.

As lawyers, we are deeply concerned that many Minnesotans who don’t fully understand the judicial system – which generally has a lower profile than the political branches – can be led to demonize judges, courts, and attorneys.  Such targeting of the third branch of government is harmful to our society and to our democracy.  The Amicus Society seeks to heal or avoid that damage by promoting education about the rule of law, and the role of judges, courts, and attorneys, to general-community audiences of both adults and youth. 

The Mock Trial Program is an exciting law-related education program that introduces students to the American legal system through direct participation in a simulated courtroom trial.  The Mock Trial Program provides students a challenging opportunity for personal growth and achievement.  The program brings together attorneys, judges, students, and teachers from across the State.

Since its inception in 1985, the program has involved thousands of students in public and private schools statewide.  Minnesota Mock Trial teams that compete at the National level, are well respected and place in the top 10 regularly.  Students learn the details of the trial process and procedure, improve skills in communication, reasoning, critical thinking, and teamwork.  Student's are also given a rare opportunity to work side by side with attorneys and judges.

If you would like to learn more about Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program, please take a look at the website, www.mnbar.org/public-resources/mock-trial, or contact:  Kim Basting (612-278-6306) kbasting@mnbars.org.