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 Manager Theresa Bernard.
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.
2022-2023 Competition Information
All rounds are scheduled to take place at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana (700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701). All teams and volunteers must be checked in by 5:15 pm. Trials will start no later than 5:30 pm, and we have asked presiders to make every effort to ensure trials end no later than 7:45 pm. While spectators are currently permitted, please note that seating is limited in many of the courtrooms and there may not be enough seats for spectators. Priority for seating should be given to Mock Trial team members and coaches. The courthouse closes at 6:00 pm, and there will be no entry or re-entry permitted after that time. See “Important Information” sidebar for parking information. To obtain special rate for P2 Super Block lot, please have $5 (CASH ONLY) ready to give attendant, explaining that you are there for Mock Trial.
Mock Trial Awards
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Keynote Speaker: Camille Vasquez, Esq.
Honoring:
- Orange County School of the Arts – Champion Team
- El Dorado High School – Finalist Team
- Judge of the Year – Hon. Megan Wagner
- Attorney Coaches of the Year – Jonathan Santiago & Abinaya Prabakar (Woodbridge High School)
- Law Firm of the Year – Berger Kahn
- Attorney Scorekeeper of the Year – Julianne Bancroft
- Teacher Coach of the Year – Whitney Coates (Orange County School of the Arts)
- Mock Trial Program Individual Student Award Winners
- Judge Henry Moore Outstanding Orator of the Year & OCTLA Scholarship Award
Win Loss Results
The win-loss results of the 2022-2023 will be posted here following the conclusion of each round.
Top 16
Congratulations to the top 16 teams advancing to the playoffs!
- Arnold O. Beckman High School (Blue team)
- Corona del Mar High School
- El Dorado High School (Hawk and Gold teams)
- Foothill High School
- Fountain Valley High School
- Mater Dei High School (Scarlet team)
- Orange County School of the Arts (Blue and Gold teams)
- Orange Lutheran High School
- Portola High School
- Rosary High School
- Santa Margarita Catholic High School
- Tesoro High School
- Trabuco Hills High School
- University High School (Blue team)
Award Nominations
Registration
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.
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