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Mock Trial

Advisors

John Phethean - jphethean@ojrsd.net

Mark DeFusco - mdefusco@ojrsd.net

What is Mock Trial?

Mock trial is a simulated courtroom proceeding, often used in education, where students act as lawyers and witnesses to argue a hypothetical or historical case, developing critical thinking, public speaking, and legal knowledge by applying simplified rules of evidence and procedure in a competitive or instructional setting.

The Young Lawyers Division of the Pennsylvania Bar Association hosts an annual statewide competition in which students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses.

About This Year's Case

The civil case is Bo Bridger, an Incapacitated Person, by Jaime Bridger, Guardian v. Dr. Colter’s Family Medicine, LLP. 

In short, Bo Bridger became ill with trichinosis after eating raw meat. The plaintiff alleges the doctor’s office provided substandard care leading to Bo’s incapacitation; the defense argues that reasonable care was provided. Because it is a civil case, the standard is a “preponderance of the evidence,” not the criminal “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard students may know from TV or movies.

How Competition Works

Teams compete for both the verdict and the points awarded by scoring judges. Attorneys present opening statements, question friendly witnesses, cross-examine the opposing side, and close the case. Witnesses must fully understand their roles and respond consistently under questioning. Each student has been assigned either a lawyer or witness role, and students prepare both the Plaintiff and Defense sides.

We have two teams this year: Red and White. Each team will compete at least twice. Only half the students compete on any given night – one side of one team. For example, if Red Team is called as Plaintiff one night, Red Team Defense will compete the next time Red is scheduled. Teams will not compete against each other.

If either team wins two trials, they advance to the playoffs. A 1–1 record may advance depending on scoring.

Scheduling and Transportation

The first possible competition date is Monday, January 5 and the season continues through Wednesday, February 14. Each time OJR is scheduled, representatives from the county Bar Association will also tell us whether we are Plaintiff or Defense.

The club plans to take a school van so the competing side can travel together and finalize preparations. Students may ride home with family after the trial and we will communicate the protocols for that with students at a later date. For any family planning to pick up their child after we return to OJR, we will work on getting to you our expected return time as soon as we have it. 

Courthouse Expectations for Spectators

Trials occur on weeknights at the Chester County Courthouse in West Chester. Families are welcome to attend, but please note some of the courthouse rules:

  • No talking, cheering, or reacting during proceedings.

  • Absolutely no school spirit attire.

  • Cell phones must be turned off.

  • No photos or video during the trial, though pictures may be taken afterward.

  • Spectators may not observe other teams’ trials – this counts as “scouting” and can disqualify a team.

These rules are strictly enforced. A breach of any of these rules may result in your expulsion from the chamber, may cost the team points, or may lead to the team being disqualified. 

Courtroom Attire

Participants must dress professionally. Lawyers should wear business attire. Witnesses should dress professionally as well, unless the character’s occupation reasonably calls for something different.