GUEST COLUMN: Raising the bar: Mock trial is in session

For the last 25-plus years, I’ve volunteered annually for the Gene Franchini New Mexico High School Mock Trial Competition administrated and hosted by the Center for Civic Values as both a judge and a scoring juror. In recent years, numerous members of my staff have also begun to volunteer regularly. This program has existed since 1978. Teams are made up of three attorneys, three witnesses and a timekeeper on each side of the case (prosecution/plaintiff and defense). I am a true mock trial booster.

Mock trial allows students to simulate the workings of a real courtroom. Teenagers are often drawn to this program because it offers a unique blend of public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork, all while providing an insightful glimpse into the legal profession. For teens, participating in mock trial can be one of the most enriching experiences, not only for personal development but also for fostering skills that will serve them in their future careers, educational paths and life in general.

One of the key benefits of mock trial is the development of critical thinking skills. In mock trial, students are required to understand complex legal concepts and apply them to hypothetical situations. This process forces participants to think analytically, make sense of evidence and develop logical arguments. The ability to critically assess information and present it coherently is invaluable, both in academics and in the professional world. Teens learn how to consider multiple perspectives, dissect arguments and anticipate counterarguments — skills that will be essential in any field they choose to pursue, from law to science, business and beyond.

Every year, I am moved by the discipline and hard work evidenced by the teams. Occasionally I’ve seen a team or individuals that I judged the prior year, and I am so impressed by the growth and progress in terms of confidence and presentation. Last year one of the teams I judged had a young man as a prosecutor who made the opening statement on the case. He made a clear and intelligent case, but he was so nervous and soft-spoken. This year, the same young man was on one of the teams I judged, and he was a completely different person. He stood up and looked the jurors in the eye and presented his case clearly and confidently.

Public speaking is a critical component of mock trial. Participants must present their case, question witnesses and defend their arguments in front of judges, attorneys and, sometimes, a live audience. For teens who may be shy or lack confidence in their speaking abilities, mock trial provides a controlled and supportive environment to practice and build confidence. As they prepare and perform their arguments, they refine their communication skills, learning to speak clearly, persuasively and with authority. These skills translate directly into other areas of life, from delivering presentations in school to communicating effectively in the workplace.

Mock trial is also inherently collaborative. Participants work in teams, where each member plays a specific role, whether it’s as a lawyer or a witness. Teams also have timekeepers and often a court artist. This team-oriented nature fosters collaboration, teaching teens how to delegate tasks, manage responsibilities and respect each other’s contributions, developing interpersonal skills and enhancing their ability to work effectively in group settings — an essential trait for success in future careers and personal relationships.

Given my own career as a criminal prosecutor, I particularly love that mock trial offers a practical, hands-on approach to learning about the legal system, providing insights into the judicial process, understanding how laws are applied, and seeing firsthand the intricacies of legal strategy. The participants in mock trial learn to better grasp the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law. This knowledge is particularly useful for students who might be considering a career in law or politics but is also valuable for informed citizenship, enabling teens to make more thoughtful decisions when engaging in public discourse or voting as adults. In my day-to-day work, I frequently wish that everybody I interact with had this much knowledge.

Mock trial is open to all students regardless of income, sexual orientation, background, location or any other individual circumstances and teams from all schools are welcome. Volunteer coaches work with the teams once the case for the year is released leading up to the regional and then statewide competitions. The winners of the statewide competition then have a little over a month to prepare a new case to take to the national competition. You don’t need to be a lawyer or even remotely associated with the legal profession to volunteer as a juror. I’ve met jurors who are special education teachers, office assistants, soap opera writers and more.

To participate in the program as school teams, judges or jurors, please contact the Mock Trial program. I urge my colleagues to consider volunteering as jurors and judges. The program is growing by leaps and bounds with more and more teams participating each year. Email mocktrial@civicvalues.org or visit civicvalues.org for more information.

As this goes to press, the winners from this year’s competition — Volcano Vista High School for the team competition. The courtroom journalist state champion is from Early College Academy and the state champion Courtroom Artists is from V. Sue Cleveland Highschool — will be beginning their quest for the national championship in Phoenix. All good wishes to the New Mexico teams.