Mock Trial
Mock Trial is an innovative, engaging and often life-changing civic education program that combines performance-based, law-related education with tournament-style, academic competition. High school students, working in teams under the guidance of volunteer attorney coaches and teachers, analyze the facts of a hypothetical criminal court case, prepare trial strategy and enact every role in the trial proceedings, as members of either the prosecution or defense. The teams present their cases in real courtrooms before sitting judges and are scored by volunteer attorneys. Over 900 high school students from 40 local high schools annually participate in the Mock Trial program that also includes courtroom art and journalism contests.
Students develop an understanding of and appreciation for the American judicial system, the rule of law and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The program builds self-confidence and develops important life skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication and teamwork. Students learn the importance of following rules and a code of ethics. Importantly, they are provided with the unique opportunity to interact one-on-one with positive adult role models, including prominent legal practitioners.
If you are interested in starting a Mock Trial team at your high school, you are encouraged to review the “Frequently Asked Questions” and contact Program Director Marcy Garrett.
CRF-OC is an official county coordinator of the California Mock Trial program that is part of the national high school mock trial program. CRF-OC does not promote or endorse external mock trial competitions and tournaments.
Award Nominations
Round 6 Award Nominations
Round 7 Award Nominations
Win Loss Results
The win-loss results of the 2024-2025 will be posted here following the conclusion of each round.
Top 16
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 16 teams advancing to the playoffs!
- Beckman Blue
- Canyon
- El Dorado
- Foothill
- Laguna Beach
- Mater Dei Scarlet
- Northwood
- OCSA Blue
- OCSA Gold
- Rosary
- Tesoro Blue
- Trabuco Hills
- University Blue
- University White
- Valencia
- Woodbridge
Mock Trial Awards 2024-2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Keynote Speaker:
Honoring:
- Champion Team –
- Finalist Team –
- Judge of the Year-
- Attorney Coaches of the Year –
- Law Firm of the Year-
- Attorney Scorekeeper of the Year-
- Teacher Coaches of the Year –
- Mock Trial Program Individual Student Award Winners
- Judge Henry Moore Outstanding Orator of the Year & OCTLA Scholarship Award –
- Team Civility Award –
2024-2025 Mock Trial Registration
School registration will open in August 26, 2024.
Student registration will open September 12, 2024.
Artist and Journalist registration will open September 12, 2024.
Volunteers- Judges and Attorneys
CRF-OC needs several volunteer judges and attorneys to assist with the mock trial competition. Further information about the competition can be found in the sidebar under “Other Resources.”
Judges– Participate in one or more rounds of competition, presiding over the trial and rating the performance of students.
Attorney Scorers– Participate in one or more rounds of competition, observing the trial and rating the performance of students
Attorney Coaches – Assist teachers and help students plan the strategy for their case, advise them on points of law and provide instruction about courtroom procedures. If you are interested in coaching a team, please fill out the interest form below. CRF-OC staff will contact you if there is a need within your preferred region.
Mock Trial Summer Camp
The 2025 Mock Trial Summer Camp application will be available in Spring 2025.
Get a head start on preparations for next season by learning the ins and outs of mock trial from experienced coaches! CRF-OC will host a 5-day camp at Chapman Law School at the end of June. Submit your application early to ensure your spot. See last year’s program flyer for more details.
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