February 24, 2026
Prince Students Participate in Supreme Court Simulation
Written by Prince junior Camden Spires
Prince strives to give students opportunities to better prepare them for life outside of high school. Mrs. Karen Barrett’s Advanced Placement (AP) government class recently completed a Supreme Court simulation that allowed students to learn about the United States judicial system firsthand.
The simulation involves students being assigned a role in a real-life court case currently being argued in front of the Supreme Court. Mrs. Barrett explains that she thoroughly enjoys this project. “The simulation teaches students how the court and world operate, as well as preparing them for any issue that may arise in the world by teaching them how to research so they will be able to get involved and know what’s going on.”
This year, students argued the case of Wolford v. Lopez, a case concerning the 2nd Amendment. Students were assigned to research one of the nine justices or the case perspective of the lawyer on the defendant or prosecutor side and then argue it in class.
Senior Crews Capps was assigned the role of one of the lawyers. He enjoyed working with the other lawyers and being a part of the behind-the-scenes preparation. Despite the nerves he admits come with preparing to be critiqued and questioned by your classmates, he shares, “It was a fantastic experience that taught me a lot about the importance of being specific, logical, and prepared whenever you’re presenting an idea or argument to people. Plus, it’s a great window into the lives of the justices that protect our nation’s laws and foundation.”
Junior Laci Barham, assigned the role of Justice Clarence Thomas, explains how the experience has shaped her outlook and prepared her for any future issue. “I learned a lot about the logic behind Clarence Thomas’s interpretation of the Constitution. Truly, this simulation taught me a lot about the importance of understanding the Constitution, and why the government system that we currently have with checks and balances is so important.”
Students who participated in this year’s simulation will likely be looking forward to June 30th, the date when the Supreme Court will release its case verdicts for the year.