Mock Trial

Ms. Fort's Home Page

Last updated on:  03/27/2007

    Below is a summary of the mock trial competition in general.  If, after reading the information, you are interested in being a member of the CCDS mock trial team, please let me know by emailing me (janet.fort@charlottecountryday.org) or seeing me in the math office.  I'll try to answer any questions that you may have.  Thanks, and happy reading!  Ms. Janet Fort, Esq.

The Wade Edwards High School Mock Trial Competition

    
    The Wade Edwards High School Mock Trial Competition turns courtrooms into classrooms for high school students.  The students learn about our legal system by portraying trial lawyers, witnesses, and bailiffs in a courtroom drama.  Objectives of the mock trial program, sponsored by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, include improving student's public speaking, writing, listening and critical thinking skills; promoting effective communication between the educational and legal communities; and promoting tolerance, professionalism, and cooperation among young people.

    In recent years, about 100 teams across the state annually participate at the regional competitions.  Each team is composed of 7 to 8 students and works for weeks to prepare for its day in court. No outside research is necessary because all case materials and rules of evidence are provided. There are two qualifying rounds at each regional competition. During these rounds, students present both sides of the case. For example, if a team argues the defense side in the morning round, it will present the prosecution's case in the afternoon. A panel of legal professionals evaluates each team. Scores are not based on the merits of the case but on how well teams demonstrate critical thinking skills, public speaking, courtroom demeanor, and teamwork. Based on their scores, the top two teams advance to a single final round. The winner from each regional competition advances to the State Finals to compete for the right to represent North Carolina at the National Mock Trial Championship.
 

Important Dates:

To download the competition rules and case materials for this year's competition (scheduled to be published on September 1st), click on 2006-2007 Case Materials.
 

Visit The National Mock Trial web site for more information:  National Mock Trial

       

State Finals - January 21 and 22, 2006:

    Congratulations to Country Day's j.v. mock trial team for qualifying as one of the sixteen teams eligible to participate in the state mock trial finals to be held in Charlotte on January 21 and 22.

 

Charlotte Regional Competition - November 19, 2005:

    Congratulations to Country Day's j.v. mock trial team for placing 2nd in Saturday's Charlotte regional competition!  The members of the j.v. team are:  Tori Zapack, Lawson Neal, Douglas Gledhill, James Reid, John Temple, Grey Joyner, and Will Froelich.  Best Attorney certificates were presented to Douglas Gledhill and James Reid.  Best Witness certificates were presented to Lawson Neal (twice) and Tori Zapack.  The varsity team also performed well, losing a close first round trial to the eventual regional winner.  The members of the varsity team are:  Allee Olive, Justin Loiseau, Kate Hyder, Patrick Kellam, Taylor Williams, and Samuel Ramsey.  Best Witness certificates were presented to Allee Olive and Justin Loiseau.