new mexico mock trial competition . . .

Mock trial is an innovative, hands-on experience in the law for high school students of all ages and abilities. Every year hundreds of New Mexico teenagers, working with their teacher advisors and attorney coaches, research, study and prepare a hypothetical courtroom trial involving issues that are important and interesting to young people.

Teams are made up of three witnesses and three attorneys (you may have as many as eight students on a team, but only six may compete in any given round) on each side (prosecution and defense) of the case. Working with their mentors, the students use a problem provided by CCV—a statement of the facts, witness depositions, legal authorities and rules—to prepare opening statements, direct and cross-examinations and closing arguments.  The cases are presented before judges and panels of “jurors,” where the teams are judged on their demonstrated knowledge and presentation skills, rather than on the legal merits of the issue at hand.

For 29 years, mock trial builds has helped to build the knowledge, skills and ethics of New Mexico high school students:

• learning about the issue around which the mock trial case is based

• honing their oral and written communication skills

• learning to think critically and to make responsible decisions

And they have the time of their lives doing it!

Don't let young people you know miss out on this great educational opportunity. Registration for the current academic year begins October 1.