“Last year was my first year to be a part of the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Program. At the beginning of the school year, I began to think I was crazy for enrolling in mock trial. I was a VERY shy and quiet person who did not offer my opinion in class discussions or even socialize with other students between classes. I was very timid, with very little self-esteem, and I constantly struggled with trying to be more confident. 2006 was my second year to compete in mock trial, and I am a different person because of my participation in the Mock Trial Program. My teachers now have trouble getting me to remain quiet. Not only has Mock Trial helped me to become a better student, but it has helped me become a more confident, well-rounded person, and school is much more enjoyable for me. Mock trial has allowed a once very shy kid to come out of his shell and experience life in a whole new way.” — Chase Roberson of Ada High School

The education of young people about our legal system remains the primary goal of the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Program presented annually by the Oklahoma Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. As young people obtain insight to the area of law being studied, they also develop useful questioning, critical thinking and oral advocacy skills. However, the value of mock trial far exceeds these primary goals to encompass building confidence, self-esteem and respect as attested by Ada High School students Chase Roberson and Hollie Furimsky.

“While participating in mock trial, I gained numerous lifelong skills. During the course of competition, I was forced to use critical thinking skills, and I learned the importance of thinking quickly on my feet. I discovered the importance of hard work and dedication, as well as the vital role of being a part of the team,” Miss Furimsky said.

Once again, the 2005-2006 Mock Trial Program was a great success, and this year Oklahoma had the added privilege of hosting the National High School Mock Trial Championship. The Oklahoma Bar Foundation has provided continuous funding to the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial since program inception in 1982. OBF has given more than $1 million for Oklahoma schoolchildren’s law-related education programs to support vitally important programs that aid in the education of Oklahoma’s primary and secondary students about the American system of justice and the rule of law.

In keeping with the mock trial tradition, the cases alternate annually between a civil trial and a criminal trial. Past topics have involved a wide range of current social and legal issues, such as freedom of speech, sexual harassment, hazing, school violence and drug abuse. The case topics are interesting contemporary issues that affect the lives of all our students.

Every August all Oklahoma schools, private and public, are invited to participate in the Mock Trial Program through attendance at student clinics held in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. The clinics include the participation of high school students, teachers and their attorney coaches to prepare teams for upcoming competition. Each year the number of attendees increases. The young people involved with mock trial have the experience of a “light bulb” of true understanding through clinic participation. Experiences like these keep teachers, attorneys and judges coming back to the Mock Trial Program year after year. The Young Lawyers Division Mock Trial Committee presents an intensive yet easy-to-understand overview of trial procedures, which provides an excellent foundation and opportunity for success during the annual competition.

In recent years, two alternative schools have recognized the benefits the program offers to at-risk students, allowing them to view our legal system from a different and positive perspective that can change lives in a very dramatic way.

“I am prouder of my mock trial involvement with the Lakeside group than anything I’ve been involved with during my legal career. The kids have all been involved in the juvenile system and they have made mistakes, but this experience has changed their outlook about our legal system,” said Tulsa County Special District Judge Damon Cantrell.

“This is the most valuable program my students have been exposed to,” said teacher coach Sherri Pankhurst from Cordell.

“My students develop self-esteem, poise and confidence through both individual and team involvement efforts,” said Okarche High School teacher Evelyn Grellner.

The 2006 National Mock Trial Chairperson Renée Hildebrant of Oklahoma City said, “ Oklahoma has a long tradition of participating in the National High School Mock Trial Championship.  Oklahoma is able to participate in the event due in large part to the financial assistance provided by the Oklahoma Bar Foundation.  For 20 years, Oklahoma’s winning team has traveled to other parts of the country to compete for the title of National High School Mock Trial Champion.  This year Oklahoma hosted 44 teams from across the nation, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and South Korea at the National High School Mock Trial Championship.  The Oklahoma Bar Foundation and numerous sponsors made this possible.  Oklahoma judges and attorneys had the opportunity to see the best of the best compete and were not disappointed.  Folks from around the country were treated to great Oklahoma hospitality and have said this is the best national championship they have ever been to.  Thank you Oklahoma Bar Foundation for helping make this possible.”

More accolades include:

“The combination of facilities, activities and hospitality was the finest I have encountered.”

— George Powers, attorney coach, Cheyenne East High School, Wyoming

“It was so well organized. Whenever I had a question, someone was right there to answer my questions, and I never had any problems. I appreciated the entertainment and Oklahoma memorabilia. I also thought the facilities and location were excellent and everything was within walking distance.”

— Ben Schemper, Timothy Christian High School, Illinois

“Absolutely wonderful competition - the best ever!! You gave us memories to last a life time.”

— Susan Nusall, Arizona Mock Trial State Coordinator

“This was my third time at a National Mock Trial Championship, and I must say, this one was particularly well run. All of the events were very well organized. The town of Oklahoma City was great!”

— Alyssa Van Staalduinen, Timothy Christian High School, Illinois

OBA/YLD Oklahoma Mock Trial Chairperson Christine Cave marvels at the level of ability displayed by students year after year. “Without the support of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, this program would not be possible. The impact is immeasurable with hundreds of high school students, attorneys and judges reaping the benefits of this valuable program,” Ms. Cave said.