Tulare County Mock Trial
The Tulare County Office of Education, along with the Tulare County Bar Association and Constitutional Rights Foundation, sponsors the Mock Trial Program in Tulare County. Participating in the Mock Trial program is similar to being in a play. The student lives the part of the character during the trial. The difference is that no one has a set script. Students need to be good listeners and quick thinkers to respond in character. 
 
Art & Journalism Contest

During Round 2 of the regular competition, students compete in the Art and Journalism competition. Students submit original creations for judging to determine which students represent Tulare County at the California Mock Trial Competition.

Lily Newell Golden West Artwork
The Team

Each team consists of nine to twenty high school students, with the help of a sponsoring teacher and a volunteer attorney coach. Teams prepare and present the trial from the perspectives of the prosecution and the defense. Roles for mock trial team members include trial attorneys, pretrial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs. Larger teams have separate students who play those roles as prosecution and defense.  Some schools offer the Mock Trial Program as a class rather than an extracurricular activity.

The Value
Students will develop listening, thinking and public speaking skills. Team cooperation and courtroom etiquette is also stressed. In addition, students learn about one of the most basic freedoms of life in the United States. The legal system is so important in the United States that it defines what we can do just as much as the laws that govern us. Everyone will eventually have experience in the legal system as a juror, judge, attorney, court reporter, court clerk, bailiff, witness, family member or defendant. 
This in-depth program allows students to develop expertise and comfort with the judicial system. 

Event Details

2025 Final Press Release

Coaches' Meeting

Email Paula Terrill for link.

Regular Rounds 1-4
January 20, 22, 27 and 29, 2026
Tulare County Superior Courthouse, Visalia

Semi-Finals

February 3, 2026
Tulare County Superior Courthouse, Visalia

Final

February 13, 2026
TCOE Administration and Conference Center, Visalia

Art and Journalism Competition
Round 2 - January 22, 2026

 

Event Contact:
 
Student Event Coordinator
(559) 651-0565