VHS Mock Trial – Valencia High School, Placentia, CA

What is Mock Trial?

Mock Trial is a class and academic competition in which a team of students simulates a criminal or civil court case while exploring a range of complex legal and constitutional issues. Students play the roles of pre-trial motion attorneys, trial attorneys, witnesses, court clerk and bailiff, and are scored based on the quality of their performances and their preparation.

The competition is sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, and the school that wins after eight rounds goes on to represent Orange County at a state competition. Students gain the opportunity to work with working and retired judges and attorneys who volunteer as attorney coaches, judges, and scorers, as well as valuable critical thinking and performance skills.

Who Participates in Mock Trial?

Mock Trial attracts a variety of students who are looking for an opportunity to participate in an academic competition, plan to study law or criminal justice, love to perform and compete, or simply enjoy a good challenge. Students from all grade levels and academic backgrounds are encouraged to try out.