Hi families, this course is a live class where we meet each week online.

There is also a Mock Trial class for Middle School students: Listing Pending 

In this fun and educational program, students gain first-hand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures.  No mock trial or even public experience is needed.  This is also a great class for theatre focused students that love to perform.

Objectives include: 
1.	Teaching students about ethics, civility, and professionalism. 
2.	Furthering their understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system, while improving proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning.
3.	And finally, gaining a heightened appreciation for academic studies and stimulating interest in law-related careers.

After an introduction to the foundations of the criminal and civil court systems, students are given a case booklet. This case booklet contains all pertinent details about the fictional case students will be arguing for or against, including witness statements, pre-trial stipulations, exhibits, and more.  For the 24-25 school year we will have a trial focused on an Arson case in the fall and a different case in the spring TBD.
 
Students then work with their team to develop cases for both the prosecution and defense sides; come competition time, they will have to be prepared to present both arguments. Each side will prepare witnesses, and act as pre-trial attorneys. They will work together as a team to craft a strong, comprehensive, well-developed case that they will later present.
 
Mock trial is a highly structured, interactive activity. There are certain parts of the trial that all teams must go through, such as opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, closing arguments, and more.  There is very little homework in this course, but students will get out of it what they put into their roles.

Thousands of students across the United States and the World participate in this activity and learn invaluable skills that will carry throughout their academic career.  Hope to see you there!


Please note:  Our last class will be our trial and will run over time.  Students that choose the rolls of prosecutor and defense will need a friend or family member to serve as their "expert" witness.  It really is a fun way to get friends and family involved and does not require much time.