More than 1,500 students across the state are turning their
classrooms into courtrooms to assume the roles of both lawyers and
witnesses during this year's 27th annual Mock Trial Program
presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association.
First organized in 1985, the 2012 Mock Trial Program started on
Jan. 23 with preliminary trials, and runs through March 23. The
program places high school teams from 16 regions across the state
in a simulated courtroom.
Student competitors at more than 100 schools across the
commonwealth are expected to participate in the 2012 Mock Trial
Program. In addition, more than 100 lawyers across the state will
volunteer as coaches and judges.
This year's civil case explores the level of legal responsibility
that high school teachers bear in identifying and preventing
cyber-bullying among students. This timely topic illustrates the
challenging intersection between law and social policy.
Out of the more than 100 teams of students, four will ultimately
advance to the semifinal elimination round and face off during
trials held simultaneously on March 19 in Boston and
Worcester.
The two finalists will compete in the state championship on March
23 in the Great Hall of Faneuil Hall in Boston. In 2011, The
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School of South
Hadley won the state championship and placed 31st in the national
tournament.
The Mock Trial Program is administered by the MBA, and made
possible by the international law firm of Brown Rudnick LLP through
its Center for the Public Interest in Boston, which has contributed
$25,000 per year to the program since 1998