Mock Trials Competition

The Francis Burt Law Education Centre coordinates an Interschool Mock Trial Competition each year between students enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12.

In 2009, nearly 525 students representing 64 teams from 26 schools competed in the competition, with the Hon. Justice Kenneth Martin, Supreme Court of Western Australia, judging the Grand Final between St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls and Wesley College in September 2009.

For further information on the Mock Trial program and how to register your school please refer to the information and links below. Any further enquires may be emailed to the Mock Trials Coordinator or via phone on (08) 9324 8604.


What is a Mock Trial?
A mock trial is a simulated court case in which teams contest a fictitious WA legal matter presented in the WA court system. The cases are presented by two teams - a prosecution/plaintiff team and a defence team - made up of students playing the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses and court officials.

The Interschool Mock Trials Competition provides an enjoyable, dynamic way of introducing students to the law. It provides students with an opportunity to learn valuable skills in research and the development and presentation of a persuasive argument.

The whole class can benefit by being involved in some of the suggested learning and teaching activities that can be used to help prepare the teams for the trial.

Download a copy of the Mock Trials Curriculum Framework.


Who can participate?
The competition is open to students enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12 and who are not older than 18 years of age as at 31 December of the year of the competition. Registration fee is $30.00 for each team. There is no limit on the number of teams a school can register.

A team must consist of no fewer than six students and no more than 12 to take the following roles: 

Two (2) Barristers 

Two (2) Witnesses

One (1) Instructing Solicitor

One (1)Court Orderly or Judges Associate/Magistrates Clerk

Six (6) Reserves (maximum)

Schools may enter more then one team, however no student shall be included in more than one team.

Venue
Teams are encouraged to use courts in the Perth CBD. All court bookings are made through the Mock Trials Coordinator. During Rounds One, Two and Three some schools may elect to hold their trials at the Mandurah Court House, also to be booked through the Mock Trials Coordinator. Teams may also hold trials at a participating school if necessary, but must arrange for an independent judge for the trial, who has been approved by the Mock Trials Coordinator.

The Grand Final is held at the Supreme Court of Western Australia.


Time
All trials must begin promptly at 6pm and should conclude before 8.30pm. Each trial takes no more than two and a half hours.


What is involved?
At the beginning of the competition each team is provided with a comprehensive manual that details the mock trial rules, procedures, dates and the skills that are assessed in each mock trial. Download Manual

There are seven rounds involved in the competition. The first three rounds work as a round robin and allow each team to go up against three other schools. At the conclusion of the first three rounds the 16 top scoring teams proceed on to the elimination rounds on a knock-out basis until two schools remain to contest the Grand Final.

Members of the legal profession are appointed to each school to coach the students on court procedure, presentation and preparation of case material. Members of the legal profession also adjudicate the mock trials, acting as the judge. For impartiality, a member cannot be both a Judge and Coach.

Judges will award points for understanding of the case, knowledge of court procedure and presentation.

On the evening of the Grand Final prizes and trophies are awarded to all members of the winning and runner-up teams, acknowledging their commitment and hard work throughout the year. The teacher and coach of these teams receive a trophy for their contribution; the schools also receive a cash prize.

Find out more 

Competition Timetable and Case Material 

School Registration 

Judge/Coach Registration 

Information for Teachers 

Information for Coaches 

Information for Judges 

Murdoch Scholarship