The following information about the Mock Trial Program was provided by the FVHS Mock Trial Team attorney coach for inclusion in the original public website.
History of the Mock Trial Program
In 1980, Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the Mock Trial program to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. The program currently involves 36 California counties and actively engages over 8,000 student-participants across the state. The winners of the county competitions go on to the State Finals in March, and the winner of the state competition represents California at the annual National High School Mock Trial Competition in May.
Structure of the Mock Trial Program
Each year, CRF creates and produces a new set of Mock Trial materials based on an important issue facing America’s youth. The materials include a hypothetical criminal case including summaries of case law, witness statements, official exhibits, and simplified rules of evidence.
Teams of students prepare and present the trial from the perspectives of both the prosecution and the defense. Each team is comprised of a maximum of 20 students (including alternates), and a typical team would be divided into 2 sides, Prosecution and Defense, as follows:
1 pretrialattorney
3 trial attorneys
4 witnesses
1 clerk or bailiff
1 alternate
Advantages of Participation in the Mock Trial Program
With the assistance of a teacher coach and attorney coach the students learn to work in a team environment as they analyze the case materials, exchange ideas, and prepare strategies and arguments for trial. Formal surveys of teachers report significant improvement in students’ basic skills, critical thinking skills, presentations skills, participation skills, and self-esteem as well as increases in students’ content knowledge about the law. Top competitors receive awards and scholarships in recognition of their outstanding performances.