High School Students Argue Declaration of Independence Case at National Archives

The Harlan Institute completed its Fourteenth Annual Virtual Supreme Court Competition with a final round held at the National Archives. This year's competition presented the case of Patriots v. Loyalists in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Teams of two high school students researched American history, wrote appellate briefs, argued through video chats, and presented oral arguments before panels of attorneys on whether the Declaration should be signed.

The Final Four round took place on April 7 at the Georgetown Supreme Court Institute. Two matches featured teams from high schools in Texas, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The two winning teams advanced to the championship round after the closely contested arguments.

Following the earlier round, participants visited the Supreme Court for lunch, a tour, and a lecture. The championship round occurred that evening at the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are on permanent display in the Rotunda.

Students debated the foundational question of independence in the presence of the Declaration of Independence. Both teams presented arguments for and against signing the document. The judges selected the team arguing as Patriots as champions, with one student named best oralist.

The event included judges from multiple federal appeals courts, a state supreme court, and a federal district court. It marked a notable instance of pro-Loyalist arguments being presented before the Declaration since 1776. The competition concluded with photos and videos documenting the Final Four, Supreme Court visit, and National Archives championship round.