Mock Trial
Regional Competition - March 7, 2015 • Macomb County Circuit Court
A Mock Trial is designed to reenact much of what might take place in a trial court. Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses and compete against each other in real courtrooms in front of real judges and lawyers. But while the students take on roles, there is no set script (with the exception of some elementary grade trials). As in a debate, participants must adjust to the strategies employed by the opposing side. In general, mock trials draw upon historical events, trials of contemporary interest, school or classroom situations, or hypothetical and entertaining fact patterns.
In 2006, John T. Berry, Executive Director of the State Bar of Michigan, described the MCCE mock trial program as:
"[A] unique opportunity for young people to learn about the legal system, while at the same time practicing cooperative learning, critical thinking, and having positive interactions with adults. Participating in Mock Trial will certainly give a young person interested in a future legal career the chance to experience the challenges of the courtroom firsthand. However, for those following other paths, it is still a valuable and challenging exercise in reasoning, public speaking, and intellectual performance under pressure."
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In 2006, John T. Berry, Executive Director of the State Bar of Michigan, described the MCCE mock trial program as:
"[A] unique opportunity for young people to learn about the legal system, while at the same time practicing cooperative learning, critical thinking, and having positive interactions with adults. Participating in Mock Trial will certainly give a young person interested in a future legal career the chance to experience the challenges of the courtroom firsthand. However, for those following other paths, it is still a valuable and challenging exercise in reasoning, public speaking, and intellectual performance under pressure."
More Information