High School Students Face Off In San Diego County Mock Trial Competition

SAN DIEGO, CA — Hundreds of high school students in San Diego County will go head-to-head in court starting Thursday for the 20th annual San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition.

A record 850 students will be faced with a realistic trial scenario at the San Diego Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego. Students from 41 local high schools will argue whether evidence against a murder suspect was properly seized.

This year’s trial concerns murder charges stemming from a death that occurred during the filming of a reality TV cooking show. The pretrial issue involves Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizures.

The competition takes place over four rounds throughout late January and early February. Students will fill 21 courtrooms and assume the roles of lawyers, witnesses, clerks and bailiffs, while arguing before actual state and federal judges.

An award ceremony and semi-final round will take place on Feb. 7. The championship round on Feb. 10 will send the winner to the Statewide Mock Trial Competition in March.

"The San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition showcases the remarkable talent, discipline, and dedication of our students, who commit countless hours to mastering complex legal concepts and presenting thoughtful, persuasive arguments," San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Michael S. Groch said in a statement.

"This program would not be possible without the extraordinary volunteerism of the attorneys, judges, and coaches who generously give their time, expertise, and mentorship to support these hardworking students. Together, they embody the highest ideals of public service, education, and excellence that make this program so impactful."

The semi-final round, awards ceremony and championship round will be live-streamed via links posted to sdmocktrial.org.