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.
Mock Trial Season Overview & Competition Structure
The Mock Trial season begins in late October and runs through early March. Typically, HCS builds 4 to 5 separate teams to participate in this competitive event. After 3-4 months of intense preparation, the "regular season" consists of three trials on one long Saturday in February. A select few teams advance to the state finals, where they compete in four additional trials, culminating in a championship round for the Indiana state title.
Heritage’s Track Record
Since 1999, Heritage has earned a strong reputation as one of the top five schools in the intensely competitive Indiana High School Mock Trial program. Heritage teams have a remarkable history of success, having won the Indianapolis competition more than ten times. HCS regularly sends multiple teams to the state finals, consistently placing at least one team in the top 10. Notably, Heritage has reached the championship trial twice, finishing as the state runner-up on both occasions. In 2022, a Heritage team secured the state championship and proudly represented the school at the National High School Mock Trial Championships.
Who Can Join?
High School Mock Trial is open to students in grades 9-12. The season runs from mid-October through early March. Practices are held after school on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:45 PM to 6:00 PM. Starting in January, additional Saturday morning practices are scheduled from 9:00 AM until noon or a little later to ensure that all teams are well-prepared for the competitions. Competitions occur on weekends in February and March.
Middle School Mock Trial is open to students in grades 6-8, and is an 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.