BCOE - Mock Trial

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

"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

2024-2025 Event details

August 28, 2024: Coach Kick Off Meeting

September 12, 2024: Case Release (password)

September 15, 2024: Intent to Participate Due

October 1, 2024: Team Registration Fees Due

December 18, 2024: Team Paperwork Due

January 21, 2025: Butte County Mock Trial

March 2025: California Mock Trial