About Mock Trial
Above, the Mock Trial Varsity team poses with our Principal, Ms. Clare, at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, November 2022.
MD Mock Trial participates in two different programs, the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) and the JSerra Catholic High School Law Magnate Program. Team member take on the roles of witness, attorney, clerk, and bailiff, and have the opportunity to compete against schools from all over Orange County. New cases are introduced each Fall, requiring a great deal of practice and prioritization.
This year, tryouts for returning team members will be held Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22 for new members.
More about Mock Trial
Mock Trial Junior Varsity team celebrating another win at JSerra Catholic High School Law Magnate Program Competition, December 2022
Mock Trial is an innovative, engaging and often life-changing civic education program that combines performance-based, law-related education with tournament-style, academic competition. High school students, working in teams under the guidance of volunteer attorney coaches and teachers, analyze the facts of a hypothetical criminal court case, prepare trial strategy and enact every role in the trial proceedings, as members of either the prosecution or defense. The teams present their cases in real courtrooms before sitting judges and are scored by volunteer attorneys.
Students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the American judicial system, the rule of law and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The program builds self-confidence and develops important life skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication and teamwork. Students learn the importance of following rules and a code of ethics. Importantly, they are provided with the unique opportunity to interact one-on-one with positive adult role models, including prominent legal practitioners.
