Pacific West District holds Mock Trial competition

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The DoWEA Pacific West District recently held its second annual Mock Trial Competition, with Humphreys High School, Guam High School, Daegu Middle High School, and Taejon Christian International School participating.

Competition Coordinators CPT Brady F. Clapp Defense Counsel for the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service and CPT Tyler A. Fergel Brigade Judge Advocate for the 2d Combat Aviation Brigade partnered with the DoWEA Pacific West District Office to lead this year’s competition.

“This competition offers a chance for high school students to sharpen their public speaking, writing, and research skills in a fast-paced environment,” CPT Clapp said. “The feedback is real and immediate at each round.”

During the event, students showcased their preparation of case files – a process that began in the Fall of 2025. Over the course of two days, students prosecuted or defended their cases in preliminary rounds.

Guam High School, which traveled to participate as first year contenders in the event, took home the first-place championship trophy as well as several other individual student awards. Taejon International Christian School captured the second-place title, with Humphreys High School claiming third place.

The 2026 competition was expanded to include a Student Legal Forum hosted by the Pacific West District and the USFK Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) office. Panelists included Retired Colonel Kirsten Brunson, DoWEA Associate General Counsel Douglas Frison, LTC Vivian Redd, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and several active-duty attorneys from the installation. The aim of the forum was to align DoWEA’s College and Career Readiness standards to the event, affording students the opportunity to explore careers in the legal field.

With increasing student interest in Mock Trial across DoWEA Pacific, the region is considering offering a Far East Mock Trial academic event.