BCOE - Mock Trial

Mock Trial

The Butte County Mock Trial Program is a collaborative between Butte County Office of Education and the Butte County Superior Court. The Mock Trial Program provides students the working knowledge of legal institutions and the judicial system. Students research the case developed by Teach Democracy and prepare for trial competition. Presiding Judges, Prosecutors, Public Defenders, and Private Attorneys volunteer their expertise and time to provide guidance to teams competing and preside over and score the competition.

The Mock Trial competition simulates a trial-level proceeding in which students play roles of pretrial counsel, prosecuting and defense attorneys, witnesses, court clerks, and bailiffs before a single presiding judge and two to three scoring judges, who score individuals based off of thier legal arguments and presentations. Each year, unique cases are developed and presented to create powerful learning eperiences on the rule of law in our judicial system. Materials are based on important issues facing America's youth. Mock trial materials include a hypothetical criminal case (summaries of caselaw, witness statements, official exihibits, simplified rules of evidence, etc.) and lesson plans of the central issues in the case.

Quotes

"“Mock Trial was such a fun opportunity to meet new people and gain knowledge about the world of justice and law”

– Amaya Grothe, Chico High Team Member 2025

"Whenever we have Mock Trials in real courtrooms in front of real judges and real people, my heart stops beating for a second. But then with one glance from the people I've surrounded myself for months, the people that I've fought and stressed out with...that one look is enough for my heart to start pumping out adrenaline to overcome any level of stage fright and insecurities."

-Kryzel Jhae Dequito, Las Plumas High Team Member 2019

"I have learned a plethora of skills from Mock Trial, but as captain of the team, I have learned how to be a strong leader. I have also learned how to think quickly on my feet."

-Kayln Peterson, Las Plumas High Team Captain 2024

“Mock Trial gave me an opportunity to debate, public speak and learn more about our nation’s justice syste. But most importantly, it taught me to look at both sides of the story and give everyone a fair and equal chance to prove themselves”

-Annalisa Pedrinazzi, Chico High Team Member 2025

“Mock Trial provides students with valuable and practical insight into the legal system, students learn how to work as part of a team, along with building their communication and critical thinking skills within a competitive environment."

-Erika Romo, Butte County Deputy District Attorney 2023

“I decided to do mock trial because I’ve always had an interest in our legal system and would love to become a constitutional lawyer someday. I learned more about specific legal processes as well as getting to learn about pretrial."

-Eliana Hinnenberg, Inspire School of Arts Team Captain 2023

“ I have been involved in Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions for almost 20 years now, particularly at the university level. It is nice to see young people stepping up because if you continue this, it gets more advanced so this is a great way to start.” -

--Matthew Bentley, Attorney Scorer 2025

2025-2026 Event details

August 2025: Coach Kick Off Meeting

September 12, 2025: Case Release (password)

September 15, 2025: Intent to Participate Due

October 1, 2025: Team Registration Fees Due

December 18, 2025: Team Paperwork Due

Jan or Feb 2026 (date TBD): Butte County Mock Trial

March 2026: California Mock Trial

California Mock Trial Rulebook

CASE LINK (Case available September 12, 2025 - password protected)

Butte County Mock Trial