Mock Trial

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TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL
 

 

Advisor: Gerardo Vela 

                                                                                     956-580-5300 ext. 1371                        

 

Thousands of high school students from across the state participate each year in this highly motivating, energetic, and challenging academic competition! The program provides a great way for students to gain an “insider’s view” of our judicial system, plus, they gain confidence speaking in front of others and have a lot of fun at the same time. The competition is open to all high school students – public, private and home school. Former participants say that the benefits of preparation and participation in the mock trial program are well worth the time and effort spent. Attorneys and judges alike have been highly impressed with the caliber of the program, the students, and the sponsors.

The Dallas Bar Association Mock Trial Committee is responsible for the organization and administration of the statewide high school mock trial program, which was established in 1979. Each calendar year, over 150 schools across the state and approximately 2000+ students participate in this exciting advocacy competition. In addition, there are hundreds of attorneys and judges involved in the judging of each trial of the competition.

The mock trials are open to the public and it is encouraged that any teacher, student, parent, etc. who are interested in the law to attend and observe these teams in action! 

HOW IT WORKS

A team of 7-10 high school students are gathered by a team advisor – this can be a teacher, an attorney, or even student leaders; and once registered, the team will begin preparing to compete against their peers in an organized Regional Competition meet. In October of the current school year, teams are given a fictional case. Each team must learn both sides of the case study (Prosecution/Plaintiff and Defense) and students must play the roles of both attorneys and witnesses in a ‘mock’ trial. Members work together to learn the facts of the case and create strategies for trial and then compete in local - area meets.  The Regional Competitions are organized by Regional Coordinators and are usually held the weekend of January 14, 2017 at a local courthouse or legal institution within the region. The winners of these meets will then advance to the State Competition in Dallas, TX held the first weekend of March during the current school year. The final champion team will then represent the Great State of Texas at the National High School Mock Trial Competition held in May (usually the first or second weekend).