Mock Trial
Mock Trial offers a vast array of benefits to students from enhanced critical thinking skills, exposure to the legal field, and professional development. By learning how to build cases, argue the rules of evidence, and simulate real trials, students are able to develop a deeper understanding of the law and learn the foundations of effective persuasion.
CLASS DATES:
January 9, 2023 – June 5, 2023
Class Dates:
- January 9, 16, 30
- February 6, 13, 20, 27
- March 6, 13, 20, 27
- April 3, 10, 17, 24
- May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- June 5
- No class: Jan 23 and Spring Break (April)
Program Cost: $1,350
Class Time: Monday 4:00-6:00 pm
Coaches: Varshini and Anthony
Why Join?
Rounds are often judged by real lawyers, judges, and law students!
Who can join?
Middle school students!
Why Mock Trial?
- It’s FUN
- It’s CREATIVE
- It’s a chance to ACT as a lawyer, an expert witness, or a lay (regular) witness
- It’s like a PUZZLE – but with a court case
- It’s ENTERTAINING to practice and watch
- It’s a chance to EXPERIMENT with a potential career AND
- It’s an opportunity to enhance your PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS in a fun environment!
Students Will:
- Be “Attorneys” and “Witnesses” for a Realistic Court Case
- Practice Teamwork and Collaboration
- Learn About Law
- Use Creativity to “Solve” a Case and Present it to a “Jury”
- Develop public speaking and argumentation skills
Students Are Coached by:
The President of the UC Irvine Mock Trial Team, Coach Varshini
The Vice President of the UC Irvine Mock Trial Team, and All Nationals Winning Witness (2022), Coach Anthony
Who Should Join?
- Students who already participate in mock trial at school but want to be coached by experts OR
- Students who are new to mock trial OR
- Students who are interested in becoming lawyers OR
- Students who love acting OR
- Students who want to overcome the fear of public speaking in a fun environment OR
- Students who love competition OR
- Students who want to increase their public speaking and argumentation skills!
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Introduction to Mock Trial)
Objective #1: Students will be able to understand the basics of Trial Law, such as:
- Why a legal action goes to trial, who the parties are, and what the charges include
- The duties of a jury, the role of a judge, the obligations of an attorney, and why these positions exist
- Why “witnesses” are called to to testify, and how to ask these witnesses questions during trial
- How to be an effective advocate for your case by “acting” as a Prosecutor, Plaintiff Attorney, or Defense Attorney
Objective #2: As “attorneys,” students will practice the following:
- Pre-trial Procedures
- Opening Statements
- Direct Examinations
- Cross Examinations
- Closing Arguments
- Objections
Objective #3: As “witnesses,” students will practice:
- Acting” as a character
- Clearly answering questions on Direct Examination
- Creatively avoiding questions on Cross Examination
- Memorizing Scripts