Mock Trial Program Volunteer

Mock Trial Volunteer Sign-In: Online Volunteer Form | Download Volunteer Form

The Mock Trial Program needs attorneys and judges to act as scorers and presiders during the months of November, December, and March.

In a recent article, the Los Angeles Daily Journal quoted several jurists who testifed that participation in the CRF-sponsored mock trial competition gave them "a sense of fulfillment" and "renewal."

Download a copy of the

Attorney/Judge Handbook | Trial Information/Instructions | Case Packet | Errata (Please note the case packet is protected. Once a volunteer signs-up to participate, they will receive the code to download the case via an email confirmation).

The Program

In 1977, Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) began the Mock Trial program in Los Angeles County. The program was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

The Students

In Los Angeles, students participating in the Mock Trial program come from all over the county and from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program welcomes both private and public school to participate.

The Trials

Every fall in Los Angeles County, over 100 teams meet at the County Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles and, with the help of a sponsoring teacher and a volunteer attorney or judge coach, prepare and present the trial. Trials take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the month of November. The students play a variety of courtroom characters including trial attorneys, pretrial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Scorers

Scorers are attorney volunteers who score the Mock Trial competition. Scorers (two or more), sit in the jury box while the student teams present their case to a judge or commissioner. They are given a set of criteria for rating the teams numerically. The criteria include the quality of the students' presentations, their grasp of the law and court procedures, and their understanding of the case itself. Time commitment is approximately two hours per trial, and you may score as many trials as you choose.

Presiders

If you are a judge or commissioner, we welcome your expertise to preside over a Mock Trial. Time commitment is approximately two hours per trial, and you may preside over as many trials as you choose. Volunteering as a presider is a great way to educate junior and senior high school students about our courts and legal system.

Coaches

Coaching a team requires a greater commitment of time, but most coaches report a deep sense of fulfillment as a result of their effort. At least one coach is assigned to work with each participating Mock Trial team. Coaches advise the students on general trial techniques and procedures and on specific strategies for presenting the case. In Los Angeles, volunteering as a coach requires meeting with a team at least once per week, beginning in early-October and continuing for as long as the team stays in the competition, generally concluding in late November.