Stephanie Rafuse’s advanced criminal justice class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School is getting a taste of a real-life courtroom thanks to a moot court competition.

Moot court is a simulated court proceeding where students practice their advocacy skills by arguing hypothetical cases before a panel of judges. To prepare, the class is studying cases pertaining to students’ rights in schools, working together on their public speaking and knowledge of the law.

Based on their understanding of the Constitution, four Copiague high schoolers will be chosen to participate in the seventh annual Moot Court Competition at the Central Islip Courthouse on Dec. 5. They will act as petitioners and respondents in a case and work with a lawyer to help gather their arguments.