The High School Mock Trial Competition is one of our most popular and enduring programs. It begins with more than 70 teams competing in regional competitions across the state and culminates with the state finals competition in Portland.
Students work together with classmates, teachers and volunteer attorney-coaches on a hypothetical case. They develop and sharpen critical analysis, public speaking and interpersonal skills. The become more poised and self confident – and they learn about the U.S. justice system in the process.
Teams of 8-18 students argue a case before 3-judge panels comprised of attorneys and educators or other community representatives. They will put on the case three times – arguing each side at least once.
For 2010, Regional competitions took place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the following county courthouses: Clackamas, Deschutes, Jackson, Linn, Morrow/Umatilla, Multnomah, and Washington. Based on the number of teams registering, Classroom Law Project decides whether to add or subtract regional competitions, and assign teams to the regions. Regions can be added! Confer with neighboring schools and get them involved – at least four teams are needed to form a region.
The top teams from each region compete in state competition at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland for the Oregon title. This year it took place on March 12-13, 2010.
Oregon’s winning team will send eight students to the national championship on May 6-8, 2010, in Philadelphia, PA.
This year’s case is State v. Lane – a criminal case where the defendant, a rap artist, is charged with inciting a riot and arson. Hot stuff!
Download the case: Part 1 | Part 2
70 teams from almost 50 schools competed in 7 regions for the 2010 Oregon High School Mock Trial Competition.
Congratulations to our State Champions!
- Catlin Gabel School, Portland – 1st Place
Will be representing Oregon at the National Competition - Grant High School, Portland – 2nd Place
- Jesuit High School, Portland (2 teams) – 3rd & 4th Place
And kudos to the following 18 teams participated in the State Finals in Portland on March 12-13!
- Baker High School, Baker City
- Catlin Gabel School, Portland
- Grant High School, Portland
- Jesuit High School, Portland (2 teams)
- Lincoln High School, Portland
- McNary High School, Salem
- Parkrose High School, Portland
- Riverdale High School, Portland
- Sandy High School, Sandy
- Sisters High School, Sisters
- South Eugene High School, Eugene
- St. Mary’s Academy, Portland
- St. Mary’s of Medford, Medford (2 teams)
- Summit High School, Bend
- West Linn High School, West Linn (2 Teams)
Location
Hatfield Federal Courthouse, 1000 SW Third Ave, Portland (Map)
A listserv is used to keep teams current and up to date. The listserv makes announcements, answer team’s questions, and provide information from the competition’s coordinators.
Teams are responsible for having at least one listserv contact to receive official notice of mock trial matters. Failure to check the listserv may result in missing vital mock trial information.
The listsev will go live when registration for the 2011 Mock Trial begins. Teams will be able to pose questions at anytime, but responses won’t begin until late January. They will be posted approximately once a week, usually Friday. Listserv contacts will receive notice of updates.
mid-Oct | Registration forms available
Nov 18 | Two copies of case mailed to teams submitting complete registration (including payment)
Dec 11 | Portland Area Scrimmage “Mini-Mock Trial” non-competitive event (Separate registration)
Dec 18 | Team registration deadline, late fees begin
Jan 8 | Last day registrations accepted
Jan 11 | Electronic case posted online
Jan 14 | No refunds after this day
late-Jan | Listserv responses begin (questions welcome any time)
Feb 27 | All regional competitions
Mar 12-13 | State Finals competition – Portland
Click here to order DVDs of past Oregon High School State Final competitions.