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Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament
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Bring the Court System to Life for Students

Since its inception in 1983, the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Program has brought our legal system to life for thousands of students.

Using facts and case materials developed by Wisconsin attorneys, students gain a deeper understanding of the court system as they develop their arguments and build their cases.

Students have the opportunity to:

  • Analyze and prepare a case
  • Present as a witness
  • Argue their assigned role
  • Receive input and feedback from attorneys and judges

2025 Case Summary

Tragedy strikes Clearwater, Wisconsin, again as a new cast of characters attempts to unravel the murder of up-and-coming virtual reality gaming star Astor Rufflebottom.  Astor was murdered the night before the championship round of the National CastleDusk™ Tournament, in which both Rufflebottom and their arch nemesis, M.J. Mossbridge were set to face off at the historical Hotel Clearwater.  The State would have you believe that Mossbridge killed Rufflebottom to secure their spot and the associated glory as the ultimate CastleDusk™ champion; however, Mossbridge was not the only one with a bone to pick with the victim. Join us for this year's Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Program as the state and defense clash over Mossbridge's guilt or innocence. ​​

Registration Information - 2024 Registration is open.
Register
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Participate

The Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament is a popular rewarding and memorable competition where most students compete in actual courtrooms across the state against other high school teams.

Mock Trial provides high school students the opportunities to:

  • Practice critical thinking, public speaking, and advocacy skills
  • ​Use teamwork and collaborate with other students
  • Gain an awareness of the legal system
  • Experience an exchange of ideas among students from all areas of Wisconsin
  • Gain self-confidence, strength of character, sportsmanship, and maturity

Each year, teams of 6-12 students work with their teacher and attorney coaches on a hypothetical case and participate at regional competitions for a chance to advance to the state and national competitions. Panels of judges and attorneys evaluate the teams on their demonstrated knowledge of legal rules and presentation skills rather than on the merits of the case.

Teams

Each team will consist of three attorneys and three witnesses, and may include up to six alternates (total of 8 to 12 students).

Eligibility

Students must be actively enrolled in grades 9-12 at the time of the competition. Students who graduate in December or January prior to the competition are ineligible for participation.

Teachers/Attorney-Coaches

Each team needs one teacher coach and one attorney coach. It is each team’s responsibility to locate an attorney coach. Assistance in locating attorney coaches will be provided if requested, but the ultimate responsibility for locating attorney coaches lies with each team.

Cost

Entry fee per team is $195. Purchase orders are not considered payment!

Registration Deadlines

All entries must be postmarked no later than November 15th. No entries will be accepted after November 15th. No exceptions.​

How to Enter

Complete the entry form and mail it, with the appropriate fees, to: Mock Trial Registration, State Bar of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53708-7158. Make checks payable to the State Bar of Wisconsin. You will receive access to the Mock Trial listserv via email after receipt of fees and the registration form.

 

For additional information, contact:

Katie Wilcox
State Bar of Wisconsin
(608) 250-6191
CustomerService@wisbar.org


 

Students reviewing documents. 


**The Mock Trial program is funded by a generous grant from the Wisconsin Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar of Wisconsin, supporting law-related education and public service programs statewide.

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