The Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project
Each fall, Colorado law students work with high school students to foster debate and discussion about important legal issues that impact students' lives. Using a problem developed every year by the national headquarters of the Project, law students teach the high school students how to reason, formulate persuasive arguments, and make oral presentations on each side of the problem. Each fall, the Colorado law students prepare for their teaching roles by taking course LAWS 7285 Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project.
In November, interested high school students who participated in the Project have the opportunity to compete against each other in a state-wide moot court competition hosted at the Colorado Law School. The competition is judged by Justices from the Colorado Supreme Court and Judges from the Colorado Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The top six finalists of that competition then represent Colorado in the national competition in Washington, D.C., accompanied by their law student coaches.
Interested upper level Colorado Law students must:
- Complete a brief application form before spring registration begins (Check back in early March for the link)
- Register for LAWS-7285 Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project
In addition to attending class at the law school each week, Teaching Fellows must also visit their partner high school at least once a week.
If you have any questions about the class or the application process, please contact Professor Cushing.
Upcoming Marshall Brennan Competition
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location: Wolf Law Building - 2450 Kittredge Loop Dr. Boulder, CO 80305
Previous Marshall Brennan Competitions
Date: January 28, 2017
Final Round Judges: U.S. District Judge Wiley Daniel, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Rich Gabriel, and Judge Laurie Booras of the Colorado Court of Appeals
Finalists:
- Rachel Kusbel, Longmont High School (Best Oralist)
- Dominick Mobley, Pomona High School
- Aimee Sanchez, Pomona High School
- Soleil Cully, Academy High School
- Diana Contreras, Academy High School
- Daniela Castor, Mapleton Early College
Alternates:
- Arianna Rivas, Rangeview High School
- Marina Ramirez-Loya, STRIVE Prep - Rise
Date:
Final Round Judges:
Finalists:
Alternates:
Date: February 9, 2013
Final Round Judges: Chief Justice Michael Bender of the Colorado Supreme Court, Judge Terry Fox of the Colorado Court of Appeals, and Judge Neil Gorsuch of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
Finalists:
- Haley Candelario: York International School
- Lessly Chavez: Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts
- Crystal Perez: York International School
- Bryan Ruiz: York International School
- Marlene Talamantes: North Valley School for Young Adults (Top Oralist)
- Kassandra Yanez: Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts
Alternates:
- Oktobre Axtell: Bruce Randolph School
- Alex Gamboa: Bruce Randolph School
- Zandra Martinez: York International School
- Ja'Won Montgomery: Bruce Randolph School
Contact Information
"Educating youth about their rights and responsibilities under our legal system increases civic awareness and engagement that lasts a lifetime. Every year, parents of high school students participating in the Marshall-Brennan Project report that the experience has changed the life of their son or daughter by inspiring them and opening them up to new opportunities. The Project is one of the most important and rewarding things I have ever been a part of at the University of Colorado Law School."
—Matthew Cushing, Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Executive & Community Learning Programs