Why should your child participate in Mock Trial as an extracurricular? Just like playing in a sport or being involved in debate or theater, Mock Trial is a great academic extracurricular for high school students.
How does Mock Trial work? Each year a fictional case packet is written by a group of volunteers. The case alternates between a civil and a criminal case each year. Teams put together both a prosecution/plaintiff case and a defense case. There is also a separate contest for Student News Reporters. Students Attorneys learn how to be attorneys for both sides, to develop direct and cross examinations of witnesses, how to put together opening statements and closing arguments, techniques to make and respond to objections, to understand and utilize the rules of evidence that govern trials, methods of using exhibits in their presentation of the evidence, to appreciate the importance of courtroom decorum, how to develop a case strategy and theme, and enhance trial skills. Student Witnesses learn to create their character consistent with the casefile and their deposition or affidavit, how to respond to questions on direct and cross examination, to understand how to present themselves as the character while maintaining courtroom decorum. Student News Reporters learn how to report on a trial, understand the structure of a news story, gain knowledge about what information to include/exclude from the story, and how to make the story interesting and factual.
When is Mock Trial? Nebraska teams compete against each other regionally in October and November. Twelve teams advance to the Nebraska State Finals in early December. The State Champion competes in the National High School Mock Trial Competition in May.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING INVOLVED IN MOCK TRIAL?
1. Public Speaking Skills
Students leave Mock Trial with confidence in public speaking skills including learning to look others in the eye when talking and how to assuredly shake someone's hand. Mock Trial enforces these skills.
2. Problem Solving
Mock Trial helps students gain analytical skills by evaluating cases and facts. Students learn to build effective arguments and how to respond to questions quickly and articulately.
3. Teamwork
Mock trial is a team activity, and each team member has an essential role: lawyer or witness. Student lawyers and witnesses, along with their attorney coach and teacher coach, spend hours preparing a strategy, practicing their trial skills and techniques, and learning about the legal system. Each part is an important part of the team and, like all team sports, working together and supporting each other is vital.
4. Sportsmanship
Lastly, Mock Trial teaches professionalism and sportsmanship. They learn to win and lose with dignity and respect.
Mock Trial is great for students interested in law school and those who aren't. Students learn to present themselves with confidence in whatever career they pursue.
