In 1980, the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the Mock Trial program, which already had a strong following in Los Angeles County, to all the counties in California. Santa Cruz County Office of Education has been providing coordination and oversight to the Santa Cruz County Mock Trial Competition since 1989.
Mock Trial provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge of our judicial system, as they study a hypothetical case, develop their analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. They receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedures and trial preparation.
Seven teams are participating this year from seven county high schools – Aptos, Harbor, Pacific Collegiate, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Soquel, and Watsonville High. Students have been practicing with volunteer teacher and attorney coaches for the County Mock Trial Competition since receiving their case packets in the of Fall 2017. The winning team will represent Santa Cruz County at the state finals in Orange County March 16-18; the National Competition is in Reno, Nevada, May 10-12.
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2018 Mock Trial Competition
Santa Cruz Courthouse
701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
- February 7: Round 1 from 5 – 7 p.m. • Round 2 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
- February 21: Round 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. • Round 4 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
- February 28: Semi-finals from 5 – 7 p.m. • Finals from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Award ceremony to follow immediately