Guidelines for Teachers

The teacher coach is expected to help the team members decide which students will play which parts in the mock trial, and to assist the students in preparing those roles.

As part of the sizeable responsibility of acting as teacher coaches, teachers are responsible for the following areas:

Rules of the Program
All teachers and teams are expected to adhere to the procedures, rules, facts, law and all other materials provided in the Mock Trial Competition Case Materials. Please read the entire case packet before meeting with the students.
Role Assignments
Team members should be strongly encouraged to select roles based on their interests and abilities, not on the basis of any gender or cultural stereotypes which might be drawn from the characterizations in the fact pattern. Note that witnesses may be played by males or females.
Team Preparation
Although an “attorney coach” is not required, most teams have an attorney coach to help the students understand the law and procedures. If your team cannot find an attorney coach, the MBA may be able to assist in finding your team an attorney coach. Teams should prepare both sides of the case and are strongly urged to arrange and conduct preliminary mock trials prior to meeting another school in the competition. Mock trials only require one attorney to act as the presiding judge and your attorney coach may be able to play that role or recruit another attorney to do so.
Education
Education of students is the primary goal of the Mock Trial Competition. Healthy competition helps to achieve this goal. However, teachers are reminded of their responsibility to keep the competitive spirit at a reasonable level. The reality of the adversary system is that one party wins and the other loses, and teachers should be sure to prepare their teams to be ready to accept either outcome in a mature manner. Teachers can help prepare students for either outcome by placing the highest value on excellent preparation and presentation, rather than winning or losing the trial.
Observers
Other classes, parents, and friends of the participants are welcome at attend the trials, but keep in mind that many courts have limited seating available and may have capacity issues.
Arrival times
Teachers are responsible for getting their teams to the assigned courtroom 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the trial.

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Why you should participate in Mock Trial

The MBA's Mock Trial Program places high school students in a simulated courtroom, where they prepare a hypothetical case and then test their skills as lawyers and witnesses. MBA members serve as attorney coaches and judges, and thousands of high school students across Massachusetts participate.

“Nauset Regional High School in Eastham, Massachusetts has participated in the Massachusetts Mock Trial program for the past five consecutive years. Our students benefit greatly from the opportunities that this outstanding program provides. As advisors, each year we see amazing growth in collaboration, communication and self assurance for the young men and women who participate. Apprehensive speakers develop the ability to speak before others. Less confident students begin to communicate with grace. A disjointed group of teenagers become a true team. Multiple perspectives and points of view abound, and are valued. The team exudes commitment to one another, and conviction about the principles of law for which they advocate. They discover, share, learn, grow and by the end of the season, win or lose, they are a deeply bonded group with a richer and deeper understanding of the system of laws in our country. Thank you to all of the volunteers at the Massachusetts Bar Association for this wonderful program available to our students.”