Science Court is more than just a class, it’s a tool for social change. We live in a time filled with polarization and distrust. SciCourt is an Honors Seminar offered at the University of Minnesota attempting to create a place where debate on controversial issues is based on facts and where a decision on the issue is guaranteed. To achieve this goal, SciCourt takes on the form of a mock trial with a few key changes:

- Instead of putting people on trial, SciCourt puts the issues society faces in the hot seat.

- All the evidence presented during the trial must be scientifically sound and agreed upon by both sides of the case, to insure that all argument is truly based on fact.

- Instead of a random jury selection, a heterogeneous jury is picked to maximize a diversity of opinions.

Each semester students prepare and try a SciCourt case.The students are split into three teams. The Science Team collects research on the case, prepares and presents it in an accessible manner for the jury. The Legal Team is divided into two sides to argue the case. Each side will review the evidence, come up with a strategy for their side, and argue the case in court. The Media Team is responsible for creating media to keep the public engaged and informed.