Mock Trial

Mock Trial is a nationwide academic competition open to all high schools. The Constitutional Rights Foundation creates a case every year in which students have to play the roles of district attorney, defense attorney, witnesses, public safety officer and defendant. The competition is a trial where students are judged by local attorneys on how well they know the case, know their roles, and answer the judge’s questions. Since 2012, students from San Rafael High School have competed against teams from Marin, Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties.

This year’s team is looking forward to getting back into the courtroom as the last two years have been on Zoom. While it was great to have the competition, it is way better in person. San Rafael Mock Trial students are coached by SRHS alumni and local attorneys as they prepare for this year’s fictional case and take it to trial in front of sitting Marin County judges The team practices two to three times a week throughout the season (September through February) to prepare for the county competitions. The season culminates in Saturday “trials” in late January and early February where all the Marin county schools go head to head at the Marin Civic center. All are welcome to come watch!

Through hands on experience, Mock Trial provides an incredible opportunity for students of all grades to improve their communication, public speaking, and advocacy skills. Students also build life skills such as critical thinking and team building. In addition to improving the student’s abilities, being part of Mock Trial looks great on a college application.

I am looking forward to an outstanding year,

Mark Baker
mbaker@srcs.org