Middle School Mock Trial Competition
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 an experiential 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.
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 new middle school civics benchmarks including: SS.7.CG.2.5 and SS.7.CG.3.9.
Supplemental classroom materials are provided. For additional assistance, contact Annette Boyd Pitts, Director at apitts@flsouthern.edu.
Competition
Case materials released in October and videos due February 21, 2025. (All 60-minute video entries must be submitted by this date.)
2025 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 to receive the case materials in October 2024. 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 February 21, 2025.
- October: Case released to registered schools
- February 21: Videos due
- March 1 - April 1: Judging Panels
- April 10: Information released about final rounds
- April 30: Final round via Zoom or in-person
General Registration and Request for Case Materials
Case Materials and Rules
The 2025 Middle School Mock Trial Case will be disseminated to all registered teams. If you have not yet registered, please fill out our form and contact apitts@flsouthern.edu for additional information.
Supplemental Classroom Materials
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.
Questions? Contact
