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Supreme Court Overview
HS Only | Grades 10-12
1 team of up to 3 students per delegation
2025 Supreme Court Resources:
Resources for students in our Supreme Court program area.
- Introduction to Commonwealth v. Gaither (1 of 3)
- Case Record- Commonwealth-v.-Gaither (2 of 3)
- Supreme Court Case Supporting Documents- Commonwealth v. Gaither (3 of 3)
- Overview of Kentucky Courts
- Glossary of Court Terms
- Judicial Analysis IRAC Worksheet
- Oral Argument Guide
- Sample Oral Argument Summary
- Sample Scoring Sheet
- Court Procedure Script
There are a limited number of Supreme Court teams at each KYA, reserved on a first-come, first-served basis when delegations submit their KYA Intent forms. Delegations that successfully reserve a team will be asked to confirm their participation, and those wishing to drop must notify Y-Staff at least 30 days prior to their assembly.
The Supreme Court Program is a moot court competition where students serve as attorneys presenting oral arguments before the KYA Supreme Court, made up of 7 student Justices. Working in teams of up to 3 students (1 team per delegation) delegates prepare oral arguments to present before student Justices on Days 1 and 2 of KYA.
When not presenting oral arguments, delegates advise the Attorney General on the constitutionality of bills passed by the House and Senate. These Advisory Opinions will be presented to the Governor when reviewing bills to sign or veto.
Program Area Roles
A comprehensive Role Guide is available for each of the following delegate roles and officer positions on the KYA Resources page
Delegate Roles
- Attorneys (teams of 1-3) | 1 Team per delegation (limited spaces)
Presiding Officers
Delegations must intent and register for the conference of which their Presiding Officer is elected/appointed.
- Attorney General | Chosen from Program Area
- Chief Justice | Chosen from Program Area
Supporting Officers
Clerk of the Supreme Court | APPOINTED by Chief Justice
- Justices (6 per KYA) | Application Based (see directions below)
HOW TO APPLY FOR A JUSTICE ROLE:
Applications will open August 1st, 2025.
If accepted as a Supporting Officer, you are required to attend a virtual training September 27th, 2025. If you cannot attend this training, please reach out to Officer Lead Emilee McCubbins (emilee@kyymca.org).
Decisions announced: September 10th, 2025
Assembly Agenda
The agenda below provides a brief overview of the program area at KYA. For a full description of roles and responsibilities, please review the Role Guides and Program Area Resources on the KYA Resources page.
Day 1 | Program Area Meeting
All Supreme Court delegates meet the Justices and Program Coordinator to review the agenda, oral argument schedule, constitutionality room process, and other program components.
Day 1 | First Round of Oral Arguments
Attorney Teams will present their first round of oral arguments.
Day 2 | Second & Third Round of Oral Arguments
Attorney Teams will have the opportunity to present oral arguments, representing both sides of the case, against teams from other delegations before the KYA Student Justices. A schedule of rounds will be available to advisors to help them plan times to observe their student attorneys.
Day 2 | Constitutionality Room
When Attorneys are not presenting oral arguments, they will work with the Attorney General in the Constitutionality Room to draft advisory opinions on the constitutionality of legislation in the Commonwealth House and Senate. If a bill is passed by both the House and Senate, the Attorney General will present the advisory opinion on that bill to the Governor.
Day 3 | Oral Argument Showcase
On the second night of the conference, the Chief Justice will announce which attorneys have been selected to participate in the Showcase Round on the final morning of the conference.