LACAH is back with another fun and exciting mock trial! In light of the recent COP26 summit, we’ll still be exploring war again, but with a focus on its impact on the environment.
What is LACAH?
The Law Association for Crimes Across History (LACAH) is a 100% nonprofit, student-run mock trial organization that puts historical figures on trial for a variety of different crimes. Our purpose is to help students critically analyze historical events through different lenses and gain a deeper understanding of history. At our events, students can meet passionate peers who share the same interests, and talk to many successful professionals. You will be able to exercise your creativity, public speaking skills, and historical knowledge on stand. For those drama nerds out there, you can become a witness and effectively sway the court through your outstanding acting skills.
What is this trial’s case?
At LACAH IV, we will be tackling the case of Agent Orange, putting Ngô Đình Diệm on trial for ecocide and crimes against humanity. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed Agent Orange, an herbicide and defoliant chemical, across the forests of Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand. This resulted in detrimental consequences; millions of people faced severe health problems due to exposure to this chemical, and over three million hectares of forest were defoliated.
What if you are a beginner?
If you’re a beginner, fear not! LACAH is very fitting for those less experienced with mock trial. LACAH provides numerous lessons from professional attorneys and mock trial experts, as well as online resources that teach you how to analyze a case, follow court procedures, and effectively present an argument. The LACAH executive team will ensure that you are well-prepared before you jump into your first trial.
When is it?
For this tournament, we will be hosting two separate competitions: LACAH East and LACAH West.
LACAH East will roughly be 9 AM to 5 PM China Standard Time (GMT+8) from April 9th to April 10th.
LACAH West will roughly be 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5) from April 2nd to April 3rd.
Both tournaments are set to be completely online, except for those in Shanghai, who will compete in person.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up on our website (https://www.lacah.net/sign-up-now) before March 5th.
There is a sign-up fee of 10 USD per participant, but LACAH also offers need-based scholarships. If you’re joining with friends, teams consist of 4 people.
If you sign up individually, we will try our best to find you a suitable team so you may participate as well. Please be sure that you and your team are available for the whole day of both tournament dates before signing up.
The sign-up link is the same for both tournaments, but you’ll be able to select which tournament your team wishes to attend based on your preferences. No matter where you are around the globe, we hope to see you at one of our tournament
For more information, please visit our website (www.lacah.net) or email us at info@LACAH.net. For teams in China, you may directly message our official WeChat account (LACAH). For international teams, you may also D.M. us on Instagram (@lacah_official).