Teaching Mock Trial

Students participate in a mock trial. They discover how U.S. courts resolve conflicts.

Mock trials are a great way to teach youngsters about law and the legal system. Whether you plan to conduct mock trials in your classroom or are considering taking on the role of team coach, the information in this packet proves invaluable.

Whether you are new to the mock trial format or have extensive experience with the program, you'll find much to learn from this teacher training manual that includes strategies for teaching the various aspects of court room trials.

All rise! Scholars put their skills to the test in a mock trial. Using evidence, photographs, and testimony, they role play the trial in the classroom. Rules of law—and the court room—come to life as the class becomes a place of law! 

The mock trial case, Kyle Wilkins v. New Columbia County School District, concerns the lawsuit brought by a father who sues the district after his sons dies due to excessive steroid use.

The mother of a graduating high school senior sues the school district in the mock trial case, Chris Moss v. New Columbia Public School District and Dr. Terry Preece.

Why did the police officer shoot the pit bull? That is the question at the heart of Decker v. The Metro City Police Department, a mock trial case.

An incident with a Swiss Army knife leads to a suit against the police department for battery, false arrest, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the Brooks v. Lawrence & the Metro City Police Department mock...

Objection! Scholars participate in a mock trial to gain an understanding the ins and outs of court procedures. Using the Jessie Jones v. Palm City court case, they role play each specific part of the trial, learning how courts operate...

What would your class do if a police officer arrested a student in class? This is exactly the anticipatory set that gets students engaged in a unit on the legal system. The plan is to get the officer to simulate an arrest, and then guest...