About the Mock Trial Tournament

The New York State Mock Trial High School Tournament is one of the largest mock trial competitions in the country involving thousands of students. Through its Mock Trial Committee, the Schenectady County Bar Association sponsors the program in Schenectady County, with volunteer attorney coaches and judges working with student teams and teachers in the participating high schools.

Program Objectives

Through participating in the mock trial program, students:

• Learn about ethics, civility and professionalism;
• Gain an increased understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; and
• Improve proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning.

The program also is a means of enhancing communication and cooperation among the school community, teachers and students and members of the legal profession. It builds appreciation for academic studies and stimulates interest in law-related careers.

The mock trial season begins in December when more than 300 high school teams in high schools throughout the state start preparing and presenting their cases in local tournaments. In the ensuing months, local county winners then moved on to regional tournaments, culminating in final rounds.

On a state level, the program is administered by the New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth and Citizenship Committee with support from The New York Bar Foundation. Learn more at  www.lycny.org