Mock Trial
About Oklahoma High School Mock Trial
In mock trials, high school students in grades 9 through 12, model the roles of attorneys, plaintiffs and defendants. They actively prepare and present their cases under the direct supervision of teacher coaches and attorney advisors. Although these are mock trials, they are heard by real judges in a courtroom setting. Student performance is evaluated by a panel of lawyers.
By interpreting, analyzing and portraying the major issues of a case, students obtain a unique insider's perspective of the American legal process. Participants develop self-esteem, poise and confidence through both individual and team efforts.
The program helps students develop public speaking skills, encourages deductive and inductive reasoning, sharpens reading comprehension, stimulates interest in governmental studies and increases appreciation for our judicial system as a means of enforcing society's laws.
Have questions? Email Mock Trial Coordinator Judy Spencer at MTJudy@aol.com or call her at 405-833-8757.
Program Objectives
- To help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading, analyzing, and making presentations.
- To heighten appreciation for academic studies and to promote positive scholastic achievements.
- To increase comprehension of the historical, ethical and philosophical basis of our judicial system.
- To demystify the operation of the law, court procedures and the legal system.
- To build bridges of mutual cooperation, respect and support between the community (teachers, students, parents and schools) and the legal profession.
- To offer a positive experience with the legal system, bringing the courts to young people rather than young people to court.
- The goal is not to win for the sake of winning, but to learn and understand the meaning of good citizenship in our democracy. In this sense, all students who participate will be winners!