Mock Trial is an academic competition for schools to compete at the county, state and national levels. The trial is a simulation of a case in which students portray each of the roles in a courtroom.

Student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedures and trial preparation. Students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, which helps them develop their analytical abilities, communication skills, and self-confidence.

Each year, the Constitutional Rights Foundation creates and produces a new set of mock trial materials based on an important issue facing America’s youth. With the assistance of a teacher-sponsor and attorney coach, the Mock Trial Program engages over 8,000 student-participants across the state of California. Students experience the excitement of working in teams, exchanging ideas, setting goals, and examining issues while interacting with positive role models from their communities. By studying the case and preparing strategies and arguments for trial, students also develop presentation skills, analytic ability, and team cooperation.  Students with disabilities, including blindness, speech impediments, and confinement to wheelchairs, have successfully participated in the program.

Each year, thousands of members from California’s bar and bench volunteer their time to make mock trial an educational and exciting experience for students across the state. Attorneys serve in a variety of roles including acting as team coaches, scoring and presiding over trials.

The winners of the local county competitions represent their county at the state finals. The winner of the state competition represents California at the annual national high school mock trial competition, involving 54 teams from U.S. states and territories. 

Mock trial programs are excellent for developing an understanding of the judicial branch of American democracy, which is often overlooked by other civic learning programs.

-CMS Review