De Anza High, Richmond High, El Cerrito High and Hercules High are among the 19 schools represented at the 44th Annual Contra Costa County Mock Trial Program, which is set to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The competition challenges high school students in Contra Costa County to display their litigation skills and dedication in a hands-on simulation of the judicial process. The program unfolds over seven weekday evenings this month and next month at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.
Each mock trial evening features courtroom sessions with volunteers serving as presiding judges and scorers. The scorers include prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, corporate lawyers, paralegals, law professors, and former Mock Trial participants.
A practicing or retired judge, commissioner, or seasoned attorney presides over trials. With volunteers spots still available, legal professionals can be a part of the program.
This year’s case, People vs. Gold, involves Logan Gold, the assistant campaign manager to their spouse, Harper Dorais, a city council candidate in Emerald Bend, Calif. Gold, the town’s sole hotel owner, is charged with kidnapping Taylor Alexander, a rival candidate.
High school teams prepare their cases with the help of teachers and volunteer trial coaches. Students step into the roles of trial attorneys, pre-trial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, bailiffs, artists, and courtroom journalists.
Judges and attorneys score the performances and provide immediate feedback, with the winning teams advancing through seven rounds of competition.
The two highest-scoring teams advance to the finals on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The winning team represents Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition in March in Los Angeles, with the state champion team moving on to the National Mock Trial Competition.
“Mock Trial provides a unique opportunity for shy students to find their voice and gain confidence,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Students not only enhance their public speaking skills but also gain a deep understanding of our legal system and courtroom procedures. Our agency proudly sponsors this inspiring academic competition, and I look forward to the proceedings each year.”
Schedule for 2025 Contra Costa County High School Mock Trials:
- Preliminaries: Jan. 28, 29; February 4, 6 – 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Quarterfinals: Feb. 11, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Semifinals: Feb. 13, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Finals & Consolation Round: Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Mock Trial Awards: Feb. 20, 6 p.m. (Recognition at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA)