In 2006, more than 8,000 students from 600 high schools across the State learned about the justice system from personal experience – by taking their case to court as participants in the Mock Trial Tournament. The tournament is the largest legal learning experience of its kind in the nation. Mock Trial is a statewide tournament that originates at the county level with students taking the roles of attorneys, parties and witnesses after they research a hypothetical case. From February until late April, mock trial enactments are held between local schools. Volunteer attorneys and judges from each local area adjudicate these enactments. At the end of the regular season, a county winner is determined at a county tournament. The county winners then compete in a regional round to determine which team will proceed to the State Finals, held in Albany in early May.

The goal of the Mock Trial Tournament is to further the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of law-related education. Mock Trial focuses on high school students across New York State and helps them understand the trial process by being an active participant in all phases of a case. The desired outcomes of the students’ experience are:

1. To increase understanding of the law, court procedures and our legal system.

2. To improve proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, public speaking and reasoning.

3. To heighten appreciation for academic studies, raise academic standards and stimulate interest in law related careers.

4. To promote better communication and cooperation between the school community—administrators, teachers and students—and the legal profession.