Mock Trial Program
The Idaho High School Mock Trial Program, sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation’s Law Related Education Program, teaches students in grades 9-12 about the law and the legal system by participating in a simulated trial. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn about the law and the legal system from practicing attorneys; for teachers to work closely with attorneys to reinforce legal concepts in their classrooms; and for attorneys to share their expertise about the law and their legal skills.
For questions about mock trial contact Carey Shoufler at (208) 334-4500 or cshoufler@isb.idaho.gov.
About Mock Trial
Mock trial teams consist of 6 to 9 students, a teacher-sponsor, and an attorney-coach. The teacher-sponsor and attorney-coach work together to recruit team members, help team members learn the facts of the case and create strategies for trial, and make logistical arrangements for the team to participate in the regional and, if qualified, state competitions.
Each participating high school can sponsor up to 2 teams. Each team will use its members to play different roles in the prosecution and defense rounds, but the same students must participate in both prosecution and defense.
Each team will compete in a regional competition held in different parts of the state. Twelve winning teams from the regional competitions will move on to compete in the state competition in Boise. Four teams move on to compete in the semi-final rounds and two teams compete in the championship round.
The Idaho Law Foundation offers the following support for teams:
- Assistance in recruiting an attorney-coach;
- Training and orientation sessions for teams;
- Meals and snacks at both regional and state competitions;
- Lodging and transportation assistance for teams who qualify for the state competition; and
- A stipend for the team who wins the state competition to help pay for travel to the national competition.
Mock Trial Registration
The teacher-sponsor should fill out an Idaho High School Mock Trial Competition 2010 Registration Form and return it by the due date with the appropriate payment to the Idaho Law Foundation.
The Idaho Law Foundation will not exclude teams from participation based on an inability to pay. Contact Carey Shoufler if you need to discuss assistance for your school.
Idaho High School Mock Trial Competition 2010 Registration Form. (PDF)
2010 Mock Trial Calendar
Mark these dates on your calendar:
- Monday, October 26, 2009: 2010 Mock Trial Materials Released
- Wednesday, December 15, 2009: Early Registration Deadline
- Friday, January 29, 2010: Regular Registration Deadline
- Saturday, February 13, 2010: Regional Competitions in Pocatello and Boise*
- Saturday, February 20, 2010: Regional Competition in Coeur d’ Alene*
- Saturday, March 6, 2010: Regional Competition in Caldwell*
- Thursday and Friday, March 25 and 26, 2010: State Competition in Boise
Recent Mock Trial Results
2009 Mock Trial Competition Results
2009 Regional Winners:
- Northern Idaho: Logos School (2 teams), Coeur d’Alene High School, Lewiston High School
- Pocatello: Blackfoot High School (2 teams)
- Treasure Valley: Boise High School, St. Ambrose High School (2 teams), Skyview High School
- Caldwell: Caldwell High School, Vallivue High School
2009 State Winners:
- Semi-Finalists: Logos School (2 teams), St. Ambrose High School (2 teams)
- Finalists: Logos School A, St. Ambrose High School B
- State Champion: Logos School A Team
2008 Mock Trial Competition Results
2008 Regional Winners:
- Northern Idaho: Logos School (2 teams), Coeur d’Alene High School
- Twin Falls: Kimberly High School (2 teams), Blackfoot High School
- Treasure Valley: Boise High School (2 teams), Centennial High School, St. Ambrose High School, Skyview High School, Liberty High School
2008 State Winners:
- Semi-Finalists: Logos School (2 teams), Blackfoot High School, Skyview High School
- Finalists: Logos School (two teams)
- State Champion: Logos School A Team
Past Mock Trial Cases
2009: Case Materials (PDF)
2008: Case Materials (PDF)
2007: Case Materials (PDF)
2006: Case Materials (PDF)
2005: Case Materials, Clarification Memo (PDF)
Mock Trial in the Classroom
Some elementary and middle/junior high schools choose to expose their students to mock trial before they reach high school age, when they are eligible to compete in the Idaho High School Mock Trial Competition. Some high schools like the benefits of mock trial but are unable to participation in the Competition.
For schools who would like to utilize the Idaho Law Foundation’s 2010 Mock Trial Handbook in their classrooms, the Idaho Law Foundation’s Law Related Education Program will supply this handbook to your school, free of charge.