High School Mock Trial

HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Mock Trial is an educational program created by the New York Bar Association and the Law, Youth and Citizenship (LYC) Program. It is a tournament-style competition in which teams compete to earn points based on their presentation and legal skills.

The purpose of the New York Statewide High School Mock Trial Program is to allow students to learn the knowledge and skills they need to be an active part of our society. The program teaches students hands-on about our legal system by simulating a trial. Students become lawyers and witnesses to convince the judge of, or against, reasonable doubt. Students learn about legal procedure, but they also learn skills that can be applied throughout life, including public speaking, active listening, teamwork, persuasiveness, and self-confidence.

In this tournament style competition, the teams argue both sides of the case and assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Each team competes to earn points based on their presentation and legal skills. “Judges”, usually local judges and attorneys who volunteer their time, score the teams based on ratings on preparation, performance, and professionalism. While the Mock Trial program is set up as a “competition,” emphasis is placed on the educational aspect of the experience which focuses on the preparation and presentation of a hypothetical courtroom trial that involves critical issues that are important and interesting to young people.

Mock Trial can be an after-school club, an elective class, or part of your school’s curriculum. An attorney will be provided to you to help coach the students in the matters of the legal profession. To find out more, contact the Suffolk County Coordinator, Glenn P. Warmuth, Esq., at (631) 732-2000 or gpw@stim-warmuth.com.

2026 Suffolk County Regional High School Mock Trial Competition Champions:

Ward Melville High School