CANTON -- Area high school students are trying a malicious prosecution case at SUNY Canton.

The Mock Trial Tournament began last week with students arguing opposing sides of a fictitious civil trial. The college's Legal Studies program sponsors the annual competition to teach high school students critical debating and courtroom procedures.

"High school students gain advanced knowledge of criminal and civil law, ethics and professionalism during the course of the proceedings," noted Alexander Lesyk, an assistant professor and director of the SUNY Canton Business Department. "We receive tremendous support for this project from our area justices and attorneys, which helps make the program so successful."

The judges who will preside in this year's competitions include St. Lawrence County Attorney Stephen Button, former District Attorney Nicole Duvé, Supreme Court Justice Mary M. Farley, Family Court Justice and SUNY Canton College Council Member Cecily L. Morris, Chief Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua, County Court Justice Jerome J. Richards and Surrogate's Court Justice John F. Richey.

Area schools competing in this year's Mock Trials include:

• Heuvelton Central High School

• Massena Central High School

• Morristown High School

• Ogdensburg Free Academy

• Potsdam High School

The Mock Trial Program is co-sponsored by the New York State Bar Association; the New York Bar Foundation; and the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program.

The proceedings will run through April 6 at SUNY Canton. The final trial will commence at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, at the St. Lawrence County Court House.

For more information, or for a complete schedule of cases, contact Lesyk by phone at (315) 386-7517 or email lesyka@canton.edu.