Mock Trial 

At the center of each year's competition is a new legal case - either civil or criminal in nature - that challenges students to think critically about timely issues. Acting as attorneys and witnesses, students portray the defense or plaintiff/prosecution and are scored on their performances by judges or attorneys. The program's objectives are to (1) Further understanding of the law, court procedures, and the legal system; (2) Increase proficiency in soft skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and reasoning; (3) Heighten appreciation for academic studies as well as career consciousness of law-related professions. 

Competitions occur locally - within each of the eight judicial circuits in Maryland - from January through March. The teams with the "winning-est" record from each of the circuits advance to the Regionals; those that prevail in the Regionals advance to Annapolis as part of the Final Four. At the invitation of the Maryland State Bar Association, the sponsor of the Mock Trial Competition, the top four teams stay overnight in Annapolis, where they will compete in the Semi-Finals and potentially advance to the State Championship. 

Source: Citizenship Law-Related Programs

• The important dates for SY 2026-2027 will be released in October 2026.  

• Maryland Courts - Mock Trial 

• Maryland Youth and the Law 

• Registration Information

• Materials 

• Calendar