Mock Trial FAQS

1. What's the cost? It is $300 for the first team; $200 for each additional team.
2. What judicial circuit am I in? Please click here for a map of judicial circuits.
3. Is an Attorney Advisor mandatory? No. However, an attorney advisor provides a huge advantage, as this person can guide the team on courtroom etiquette, trial procedure, and other logistical matters.
4. Where can I find an Attorney Advisor? There are a number of places you can call. First, check with your students and faculty to see if someone's relative is an attorney. Call the local bar association. They can usually send out an email request to their attorney-members. Or, call MYLAW, as we can sometimes find you an advisor.
5. How often does the Attorney Advisor need to meet with our team? This is completely up to what works for everyone involved. Some attorneys meet with their teams weekly, others not as frequently. Still others meet with their teams several times each week.
6. Does our Team Coach have to be a teacher? No. In some instances, school administrators, parents, or others affiliated with the school have served in this role. However, the School Principal must approve this person.
7. What if we don't have the minimum number of eight (8) required students? Keep recruiting. If you still come up with less than 8 students, however, you will not be able to register your team. The only exception to this is if you and another school within your circuit can build a team together.
8. What if we have too many students?  Count your lucky stars and pat yourself on the back for good recruiting. And then, consider one of the following: (a) student try-outs, (b) multiple teams such as Varsity and JV or 9th/10th grade team and 11th/12th grade team. If you don't want to register two teams, have your official team and an "understudy" group that observes practices and occasional competitions.
9. Some of the kids who are supposed to compete today are absent. What should we do? DO NOT FORFEIT. Instead, contact the teacher coach from the opposing team and ask if they can bring extra students. If they are able to do this, then "borrow" their extra students; yes, it's an automatic win for the other team, but you still get critical practice time. You may also utilize one or more of your own students in multiple roles; again, it results in an automatic win for your opposition, but still nets your team some practice time.
10. Are cell phones, cameras, or other electronic devices allowed in the courthouse? You MUST check with the specific courthouse where you are competing ahead of time. And, do NOT expect security to hold your devices. You must also alert any parents or other spectators about the courthouse policies.
11. How long do competitions typically take? Expect competitions to take about 2 hours, including feedback proffered by the judge at the conclusion of the trial.
12. What type of case will it be? The case will either be civil or criminal in nature, and based upon a timely and significant topic.
13. Do we work with the different cases throughout the competition? No. Students will work with the same case throughout the competition so that they can "dig deep" and thoroughly learn the legal issue at hand.