Mock Trial

Mock Trial has been a tradition in San Joaquin County for over 20 years. In this true-to-life competition, high school teams of 18 students ­ nine for the prosecution and nine for the defense ­ debate fictitious cases before presiding superior and municipal court judges and scoring attorneys. Cases involve contemporary issues and pre-trial arguments on the Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Teams may also include a courtroom artist and journalist.

In Mock Trial, students actively experience the excitement of working in teams, exchanging ideas, setting goals, and examining issues while interacting with positive role models from the community. By studying the case and preparing strategies and arguments for trial, students also develop presentation skills, analytic ability, and interpersonal skills.