Middle School Mock Trial Competition

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An Avenue for Middle School Classes to Participate in a Simulated Trial

The annual state-wide middle school mock trial simulation and competition provides opportunities for students to learn about the legal process, the courts, and the jury system through a classroom activity aligned with the civics and government benchmarks for middle school. The competition provides an avenue for middle school students to participate in a simulated trial in the classroom or at a local courthouse. Judges or attorney volunteers can serve as the presiding judge for the activity. Trials should be videotaped and submitted using the directions in the case materials. Video clips from previous years are provided on this page.

The middle school mock trial program is designed to:

  • Increase student understanding of and interest in the legal process, the courts, and the jury system
  • Generate interest in law-related careers
  • Improve civic literacy skills including critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning

The case materials are aligned with the middle school civics benchmarks including: SS.7.C.2.6 Simulate the trial process and the role of juries in the administration of justice.

Supplemental classroom materials are provided. Supplemental classroom materials are provided. For additional assistance, contact Annette Boyd Pitts, Director at apitts@flsouthern.edu.

Competition

Entry packet and video due date: March 1, 2023 (All 62-minute video entries must be submitted by this date.)

2023 Middle School Mock Trial Virtual Competition Registration and Submission

When accessing the General Registration link, you will register your middle school class for the mock trial program. This will also add your school to the list of expected video entries. The link titled Submit Video will provide access to the site to submit your entry for the Middle School Mock Trial Competition. Therefore, you will use this form once your video submission is ready. Submissions are due by midnight on March 1, 2023.

  • Late October: Case released to schools
  • March 1: Videos due
  • March 15 – April 15: Judging Panels
  • April 20: Information released about final rounds
  • May 5-10: Final round via Zoom or in-person
  • May 10: Final announcements of placements
General Registration and Request for Case Materials Submit Video for the middle school mock trial virtual competition

Case Materials and Rules

The 2023 Middle School Mock Trial Case Packet will be available soon. Please check back.

Supplemental Classroom Materials

Archived Cases

Questions and Answers

Be attentive to overall time requirements and applicable rules. Referring to Rule IX: Time Limits, the overall case video submission “should be no longer than 62 minutes inclusive of introductions.” Additionally, Rule XII: Video Submission says that “the submission should be one continuous video without editing.”

In reviewing the rules for the middle school mock trial competition, Rule VII Conduct/Attire reads "Proper courtroom attire is expected, however costuming of witnesses is not permitted."

Middle School Mock Trial Videos

The video clips below show some of the mock trial submissions from past years. This may be helpful as you prepare for this year.