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.
2012 Mock Trial Competition Dates
- Saturday, March 3: Regional Competition - Canyon County Courthouse, Caldwell (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, March 10: Regional Competition - Kootenai County Courthouse, Coeur d'Alene (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, March 10: Regional Competition - Bannock County Courthouse, Pocatello (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, March 21: First Night of the State Quaterfinal Competition - Ada County Courthouse, Boise (4:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, March 22: Second Night of the State Quaterfinal Competition - Ada County Courthouse, Boise (4:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)
- Friday, March 23: Semi-Final Competition - Federal Courthouse, Boise (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
- Friday, March 23: Final Competition - Supreme Court Courthouse, Boise (2:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
Recent Mock Trial Results
2012 Mock Trial Competition Results
2012 State Winners:
- Semi-Finalists: Ambrose School A Team, Coeur D’Alene High School A Team, Centennial High School Team, Logos School A Team
- Finalists: Ambrose School A Team, Logos School A Team
- State Champion: Logos School A Team
2011 Mock Trial Competition Results
2011 State Winners:
- Semi-Finalists: Coeur D’Alene High School A Team, Lewiston High School A Team, Logos School A Team, Vallivue High School A Team
- Finalists: Coeur D’Alene High School A Team, Logos School A Team
- State Champion: Logos School A Team
2010 Mock Trial Competition Results
2010 Regional Winners:
- Northern Idaho: Logos School (2 teams), Lewiston High School
- Pocatello: Blackfoot High School, Kimberly High School
- Treasure Valley: Boise High School, The Ambrose School (2 teams), Centennial High School
- Caldwell: Vallivue High School (2 teams), Skyview/Nampa High School
2010 State Winners:
- Semi-Finalists: Logos School (2 teams), St. Ambrose High School (2 teams)
- Finalists: Logos School A, St. Ambrose High School A
- State Champion: Logos School A Team
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
2010: Case Materials, Clarification Memo 
2009: Case Materials
2008: Case Materials
2007: Case Materials
2006: Case Materials
2005: Case Materials, Clarification Memo
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.