Mock Trial

About Mock Trial
About Mock Trial![]()
About Mock Trial
The Mock Trial competition simulates a trial-level proceeding in which students play roles of pretrial counsel, prosecuting and defense attorneys, witnesses, court clerks, and bailiffs before a single presiding judge and two to three scoring judges, who score individuals based off of thier legal arguments and presentations. Each year, unique cases are developed and presented to create powerful learning eperiences on the rule of law in our judicial system. Materials are based on important issues facing America's youth. Mock trial materials include a hypothetical criminal case (summaries of caselaw, witness statements, official exihibits, simplified rules of evidence, etc.) and lesson plans of the central issues in the case.
With the assistance of a Teacher Coach and an Attorney Coach, the Mock Trial and Competition actively engages students from local high schools. 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. A typical Mock Trial team consists of 8 to 20 students.
Quotes
Quotes![]()
Quotes
"Whenever we have Mock Trials in real courtrooms in front of real judges and real people, my heart stops beating for a second. But then with one glance from the people I've surrounded myself for months, the people that I've fought and stressed out with...that one look is enough for my heart to start pumping out adrenaline to overcome any level of stage fright and insecurities."
-Kryzel Jhae Dequito, Mock Trial Student 2019
"I loved the case and Mock Trial in general."
-Cyan Vang, Mock Trial Student 2019
“Mock Trial provides students with valuable and practical insight into the legal system, students learn how to work as part of a team, along with building their communication and critical thinking skills within a competitive environment."
-Erika Romo, Butte County Deputy District Attorney
“I decided to do mock trial because I’ve always had an interest in our legal system and would love to become a constitutional lawyer someday. I learned more about specific legal processes as well as getting to learn about pretrial."
-Eliana Hinnenberg, Mock Trial Student 2023
For the 2023-2024 California Mock Trial Team Rulebook
Case Available September 7th: People v. Clark
BUTTE COUNTY MOCK TRIAL
February 2024 (Exact Date To Be Announced)
BUTTE COUNTY COURT HOUSE
ONE COURT STREET, OROVILLE CA 95965
Links
Links![]()
Links
- Judge/Attorney Score Sheet
- Scoring Rubric and Guidelines
- School/Student Registration
- Champions
Contact
Contact![]()
Contact
For additional information about the Butte County Mock Trial contact: Mary Ellen Garrahy


Previous Year's highlights
Previous Year's highlights![]()
Previous Year's highlights

2023 Butte County Mock Trial Champion Team, Las PLumas High School, competing at California Mock Trial in Los Angeles
