On Saturday February 20, 2010, High school students from around Western North Carolina will gather in Asheville to participate in the annual North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Competition.  This hands-on approach is a fun and effective way for students to learn about the judicial process and the fundamental importance of the jury system. High schools, teen courts, youth groups and home school groups are welcome to participate in this program.

Melrose, Seago and Lay is a sponsor of this year's Mock Trial Competition and are coordinating the Western Regional Competition. The competition will take place at the Buncombe County Courthouse.  According to Mark Melrose, “The goal of the competition is to give students an understanding of the law and help develop their public speaking, critical thinking and team work skills.  We are pleased to help provide this opportunity to the region’s high schools.”

Easy steps to begin & support a Mock Trial Program at your School

Step 1:
Talk with your high school’s principal and find out if there is a teacher who can serve as the team’s advisor. A team consists of between 7 and 8 students. There is no limit to the number of teams a school can sponsor.

Step 2:
Get the teacher/team advisor to register your team(s). Please fill out a registration form. Registration Forms can be accessed by visiting the program’s website: http://ncatl.org/page/15288/

Step 3:
Contact a local attorney to invite them to volunteer as your team’s legal advisor or coach. If you need help, the Competition will match you up with an attorney advisor in your area. We recommend that an Attorney Advisor spend a minimum of three hours a week working with their team.

Step 4:
Study all the material contained in the official case materials, including the Rules of Competition and the Simplified Rules of Evidence and Procedure.

Step 6:
Select and assign your team roles. There are thirteen roles to assign (3 Prosecution/Plaintiff attorneys; 3 Defense attorneys; 3 Prosecution/Plaintiff witnesses; 3 Defense witnesses; 1 Bailiff – a Prosecution/Plaintiff team role). This means that some team members will have to assume two roles. (See Competition Rule 3.7.)

Step 7:
Schedule practices and rehearsals to prepare for your day in court. As you prepare for competition, remember that no outside research is necessary since you are limited to the provided case materials. It is highly recommended that attorney advisors arrange at least one team practice at a courthouse, to familiarize the students with the courtroom setting.

Step 8:
Regional Competitions will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the following six sites: Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville, High Point, and Wilmington

Step 9: State Finals Competition will be held on Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20, 2010 in Raleigh

Information is also available by contacting Cindy Bryson at (828) 586-3200.