Maryland high school students have been arguing in courtrooms throughout the state for more than 40 years!

At the center of each year's competition is a new legal case - either civil or criminal in nature - that challenges students to think critically about timely issues. Acting as attorneys and witnesses, students portray defense or plaintiff/prosecution and are scored on their performances by judges or attorneys. 

The program's objectives are to (1) Further understanding of the law, court procedures, and the legal system; (2) Increase proficiency in soft skills such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; and (3) Heighten appreciation for academic studies as well as career consciousness of law-related professions.

Competitions take place at the local level - within each of the eight judicial circuits in Maryland - from January through March. The top teams from each of the circuits advance to the Regionals (Quarterfinals); those that prevail in the Regionals advance to Annapolis as part of the Final Four. The top four teams stay overnight in Annapolis, where they will compete in the Semi-Finals and potentially advance to the State Championship. 

In what has become a true tradition, the two finalists compete in Maryland's highest court - the Supreme Court. The State Championship is webcast live from the high court, and is available to view here: Mock Trial State Championship Webcast.