2. Programs
  3. Mock Trial
  4. About

 

WELCOME TO MOCK TRIAL

The Arizona High School Mock Trial Program, co-sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and the State Bar of Arizona's Young Lawyers Division, teaches students in grades 9-12 about the law and the legal system by participating in a simulated trial. The program is an opportunity for students to learn about the law and the legal system from practicing attorneys; for teachers to work closely with attorneys to reinforce legal concepts in the classroom; and for attorneys to share their expertise about the law and their legal skills.

PROGRAM GOALS

  • To give students a better understanding of the legal system - from the rules of evidence to proper court decorum.
  • Increase awareness of the importance of law in a democratic society and strengthen the understanding of fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution.
  • To promote increased confidence, poise, oral skills, critical thinking skills and teamwork skills.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Students have the opportunity to learn from practicing attorneys; teachers work closely with attorneys to reinforce legal concepts in the classroom; and attorneys have an opportunity to share their expertise about the law and their legal skills. Mock Trial teams, consisting of six to eight students, a teacher/coach, and an attorney/coach, receive a fictional case in November. Each team must learn both sides of the case and students must play the roles of both attorneys and witnesses. Teams work together to learn the facts of the case and create strategies for trial.

TOURNAMENTS

Regional tournaments are held in early March, in which teams present their cases before a real judge. The winning teams of each regional tournament, the teams with the most convincing presentations, are invited to compete in the state tournament held in Phoenix in late March. The winner of the state tournament is eligible to compete at the National High School Mock Trial Championship held in May. Recognized as one of the top programs in the country, Arizona's representative at the National High School Mock Trial Championship placed 3rd in 2022 and we have had teams place in the top ten many times since our participation beginning in the 1980's. If your school is not currently participating in this exceptional extracurricular academic program, we invite you to make this the year to start.