The Utah Mock Trial competition was established in 1980 to teach students their rights and responsibilities as citizens.  Each year, volunteer attorneys write or adapt a legal case involving issues of interest to youth.  A handbook containing established facts, signed affidavits, and other legal information regarding the case, along with the rules and information related to the tournament, is provided for all participants.  Team members play roles of witnesses, attorneys, clerks, and bailiffs in courtrooms throughout the state. 

The Mock Trial Competition is open to all public and private secondary schools in Utah.  Each year, more than 1,000 students, 80 teachers, 300 attorneys, and 100 community representatives participate in over 110 mock trials statewide.  The high school championship team participates in the national mock trial competition. 

A wonderful teacher resource is available from the State Bar of Georgia entitled, "May It Please The Court." This guide includes a video which takes teams step-by-step through a mock trial. May it Please the Court Video Order Form may be downloaded here. Also, the National Mock Trial Championship Board in partnership with Great River Technologies presents the NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE. This tool enhances the mock trial experience for students, teachers, and coaches and includes interactive exercises that allow students to test their knowledge of the trial process. This cost for this service is $100 per team (up to 8 students) and $10 per each additional team member. For more information contact Stacy Beyer at sbeyer@greatrivertech.net.

ELEMENTARY MOCK TRIALS