Legal Studies

The Closing Argument event challenges participants to review a criminal case and deliver a compelling closing argument. Competitors will take on the role of either the Prosecuting or Defense Attorney, articulating their case to a simulated courtroom.

Participants will navigate a structured NIST Open Lane course. The NIST Level 1 course is a standardized drone-pilot skills test that challenges students to complete precise takeoff, navigation, and camera-based tasks used in real law-enforcement missions. This course provides a safe, controlled way for high school competitors to demonstrate foundational flight skills, follow safety procedures, and be scored on consistent, repeatable performance.

The Drone Competition Event challenges teams to demonstrate proficiency in precision drone operations and Search & Rescue (SAR) tactics. The Search and Rescue Drone Event is designed to provide students with a structured, law-enforcement–based application of drone technology for locating missing persons and assessing emergency situations. This event emphasizes professionalism, accurate decision-making, and safe drone operation within realistic search-and-rescue scenarios.

The Job Exhibit event encourages competitors to research various roles within TPSA's specific career clusters. Competitors will research salary and benefits, education and training requirements, natural abilities and required skills, availability of jobs, opportunities for advancement and any additional benefits or perks that would attract potential applicants. Participants will present their findings through a tri-fold visual display, offering insights into job requirements, salary, and advancement opportunities. Participants can choose any career cluster, however, chapters are limited to 5 entries across all clusters. This is one event which will be judged together across all career clusters.

The Opening Statement event challenges participants to review a criminal case and articulate a compelling opening statement. Competitors will assume the role of either the Prosecuting or Defense Attorney in a simulated courtroom.

The Parliamentary Procedure event immerses competitors in a simulated business meeting environment. Participants will engage in discussions on undisclosed topics, navigating through an agenda while adhering to parliamentary rules and motions.

The Qualifying an Expert Witness event places competitors in a courtroom setting. Participants will review a potential expert witness's resume and credentials, aiming to qualify them as an expert through questioning.