Mock Trial

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. Over 900 high school students from 40 local high schools annually participate in the Mock Trial program that also includes courtroom art and journalism contests.

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.

If you are interested in starting a Mock Trial team at your high school, you are encouraged to review the “Frequently Asked Questions” and contact Program Director Marcy Garrett.

CRF-OC is an official county coordinator of the California Mock Trial program that is part of the national high school mock trial program. CRF-OC does not promote or endorse external mock trial competitions and tournaments.

2024-2025 Mock Trial Registration

School registration will open in August 26, 2024.

Student registration will open September 12, 2024.

Artist and Journalist registration will open September 12, 2024.

Volunteers- Judges and Attorneys

CRF-OC needs several volunteer judges and attorneys to assist with the mock trial competition. Further information about the competition can be found in the sidebar under “Other Resources.”

Judges– Participate in one or more rounds of competition, presiding over the trial and rating the performance of students.

Attorney Scorers– Participate in one or more rounds of competition, observing the trial and rating the performance of students

Attorney Coaches – Assist teachers and help students plan the strategy for their case, advise them on points of law and provide instruction about courtroom procedures. If you are interested in coaching a team, please fill out the interest form below. CRF-OC staff will contact you if there is a need within your preferred region.

Mock Trial Awards 2023-2024

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Keynote Speaker: Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero

Honoring:

• Champion Team – University High School- Blue
• Finalist Team – Trabuco Hills High School
• Judge of the Year- The Honorable Nathan Vu
• Attorney Coaches of the Year – Melissa Brandman, Esq., Hon. Halim Dhanidina, and Ethan Feng, Esq.
• Law Firm of the Year- Latham & Watkins, LLP
• Attorney Scorekeeper of the Year- Anthony Guillory, Esq.
• Teacher Coaches of the Year – Stephanie Schweitzer and Andrew Pohl, Canyon High School
• Mock Trial Program Individual Student Award Winners
• Judge Henry Moore Outstanding Orator of the Year & OCTLA Scholarship Award – Daniel Tinacci, Trabuco Hills High School
• Team Civility Award – Santa Ana High School

Win Loss Results

The win-loss results of the 2023-2024 will be posted here following the conclusion of each round.

Top 16

Congratulations to the top 16 teams advancing to the playoffs!

• Beckman Blue
• Beckman Red
• El Dorado Gold 
• El Dorado Hawk 
• Foothill Black
• Kennedy
• Mater Dei Gray
• Northwood 
• OCSA Blue
• OCSA Gold 
• Portola 
• Rosary 
• Tesoro Blue
• Trabuco Hills 
• University Blue
• Woodbridge 

Award Nominations

Round 1 Award Nominations

Round 2 Award Nominations

Round 3 Award Nominations

Round 4 Award Nominations

Round 5 Award Nominations

Round 6 Award Nominations

Round 7 Award Nominations

Mock Trial Summer Camp

The 2025 Mock Trial Summer Camp application will be available in Spring 2025.

Get a head start on preparations for next season by learning the ins and outs of mock trial from experienced coaches! CRF-OC will host a 5-day camp at Chapman Law School at the end of June. Submit your application early to ensure your spot. See last year’s program flyer for more details.

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