Overview

The High School Mock Trial Competition is one of CLP’s 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. They become more poised and self confident – and they learn about the U.S. justice system in the process.

Click here to download the 2012 FLYER

 

How It Works

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 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.  This year’s Regional competition takes place on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

The top teams from each region compete in state competition at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland for the Oregon title.  This year the State Finals take place on Friday & Saturday, March 16 & 17, 2012.

Oregon’s winning team will send eight students to the National Mock Trial Championship.

 

The Case

The 2012 case is Lee Cavanaugh v. Cup of Joe. The case involves a civil dispute when hot coffee purchased from a local shop burns a customer.  Was the coffee too hot to handle?

Click here to view the 2012 Mock Trial Case.

 

Regional Competition

The 2012 Regional competitions will take place on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Click here for Team Region Assignments and Regional Competition Details.  Stay tuned for Team Letter-codes and Regional Competition Details.  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.

 

State Finals

The top teams from each regional competition will compete in the State Finals, which will be held at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland on March 16-17, 2012.  The top team will earn the right to represent Oregon at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, which will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 3-6, 2012.

 

Listserv

A listserv is used to keep teams current and up to date. The listserv makes announcements, answers teams’ questions, and provides 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.

Teams may 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.

 

Mentors & Mock Trial: A Winning Combination

Would you like to have mock trial at your school but shy away because it is just too much work?  We can help.

We know that leading a mock trial team to the regional competition is a challenging endeavor. But we have a plan to ease the load. It is called Mentored Mock Trial and it is being offered free of charge (value exceeds $500).

Mentored Mock Trial includes:

  • your own mentor who is an experienced mock trial teacher-coach or attorney-coach;
  • sub pay for planning with your mentor, if needed;
  • travel stipend for meeting with your mentor, if needed;
  • team registration fee waiver ($250 value); and
  • free dvd of past mock trial state winning round.

We are committed to mock trial because we know it changes lives. Mock trial is a challenging academic activity that develops speaking, reasoning, and writing skills. Students learn about the American justice system. It links them with caring and involved adults in their communities. Students love the competition and sense of theater of it all. It is, well, fun!

To get started with the Mentor Program, contact us at office@classroomlaw.org.

 

2011/12 Mock Trial Calendar

Oct | Registration forms available
Nov 14| Two copies of case mailed to teams submitting complete registration (including payment)
Dec 9 | Metro Mini Mock Trial non-competitive event – Portland (Separate registration)
Dec 16 | Team registration deadline, late fees begin
Jan 6 | Last day registrations accepted; No refunds after this day
late-Jan | Listserv responses begin (questions welcome any time)
March 3 | All regional competitions – various locations statewide
Mar 16-17 | State Finals competition – Portland

 

DVDs for Sale

Click here to order DVDs of past Oregon High School State Final competitions and the award winning documentary Hot Coffee.

 

Previous Mock Trial State Competition Winners

2011 Catlin Gabel
2010 Catlin Gabel
2009 West Linn
2008 West Salem
2007 West Linn
2006 La Salle
2005 Riverdale
2004 Catlin Gabel
2003 Lincoln
2002 Lincoln
2001 Catlin Gabel
2000 South Salem
1999 Grant
1998 Lake Oswego
1997 Lake Oswego
1996 South Salem
1995 Lincoln
1994 Oregon Episcopal
1993 Grant
1992 Parkrose
1991 Sam Barlow
1990 Sprague
1989 Lincoln
1988 Girls State
1987 Lake Oswego