Mock Trial at Heritage Christian School
In Mock Trial, students work side by side with local, real life attorneys and other professionals as their coaches to prepare a fictional civil or criminal case for trial at regional and state competitions.
The Indiana Bar Foundation released the above video to promote participation in the Indiana High School Mock Trial program. The video includes 3 Heritage parents (2 of whom are also HCS teachers).
What Do We Do?
Students work together in teams of six to eight to develop case theory and effective lines of questioning for both sides of the legal case. Students playing attorneys learn and use actual Federal Rules of Evidence in presenting their case. Other students take on witness roles, learning the details of a particular character and developing a convincing personality.
Students develop and refine a number of skill-sets important for college and life, including:
Students develop and refine a number of skill-sets important for college and life, including:
- logical/analytical reasoning
- public speaking
- the power of persuasion
- communication in a dynamic team environment
- the ability to observe, analyze and compare a multitude of facts and details from different perspectives
Because every trial is unique, Mock Trial cultivates exceptional confidence, poise and the ability to think on one’s feet while under pressure.
Additionally, students often say one of the best aspects of Mock Trial is how all the fun, laughter and bonding with teammates, developed through intense practices and trials, results in memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. This is one reason that many Mock Trial alumni frequently return to support the Mock Trial program long after graduating.
Competitions
Each year teams from schools across Indiana participate in this highly competitive program. Both the Regional level and State Final competitions take place in real courtrooms judged by attorneys. After 3-4 months of intense preparation, the entire Mock Trial “regular season” consists of three trials on one long Saturday in February. A select few teams advance to the State Finals for four more trials and an opportunity to compete in a 5th Championship Round for the Indiana State Title.
Since 1999, Heritage has earned a strong reputation as one of the top five schools in the intensively competitive Indiana High School Mock Trial program.
Who Can Join?
High School Mock Trial
Open to students in grades 9-12
The season runs from mid-October through early March. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Fridays after school and on Saturday mornings in January and February. Mock Trial competitions occur on weekends in February and March.
Middle School Mock Trial
Open to students in grades 6-8
Middle School Mock Trial is a 8-week after school club to serve as an introduction to the program.
For more information on Heritage's Mock Trial program, contact Janice Houghton, Mock Trial Coach, at janice.houghton@heritagechristian.net. For more information about the Indiana Mock Trial program, visit the Indiana Bar Foundation website.
HCS Team Discord Wins the 2022 Indiana High School Mock Trial Championship
POSTED MARCH 16, 2022
Let the record reflect...Heritage Christian School's Team Discord won the Indiana High School Mock Trial Championship! Discord's team members include Maya Favors, Mychael Favors, Sylvie Earlewine, Angelina Legostaeva, Nkenna Nzerem, and two homeschool students, Zach Barnes and Haley Bock. The team will compete in the virtual 2022 National High School Mock Trial Championship May 4-7.
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Heritage Mock Trial Alum Begins Supreme Court Clerkship
POSTED JANUARY 18, 2021
Christina Gay (HCS Class of 2013) recently accepted a clerkship for Chief Justice Roberts on the U.S. Supreme Court for the 2021-22 term. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the institution in general, and working on cases argued by the best advocates in the country,” she said.
Christina is a Heritage “lifer,” having attended all 13 years of school. She attributes her interest in law in part because of her experience with high school Mock Trial. She is also grateful for the unending support of many former HCS teachers. “It’s been a blessing to part of this community for 20 years now,” she said.
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Christina is a Heritage “lifer,” having attended all 13 years of school. She attributes her interest in law in part because of her experience with high school Mock Trial. She is also grateful for the unending support of many former HCS teachers. “It’s been a blessing to part of this community for 20 years now,” she said.
Read Full Story