One of the strongest tools in the hands of any individual is the power to understand a new situation. Mock trials teach us how best to respond to the stress and energy of a courtroom. Whether you’re a student or caught in legal turbulence, it’s always useful to have some level of preparation provided by these trials.
High School Vs. Legal
A high school mock trial, such as the ones provided by the Minnesota State Bar Association, or MSBA, is a little different from a mock trial in a legitimate legal setting. High school mock trials are less serious than the average mock trial and geared towards teaching the general idea of how court trials function.
High School Mock Trial
The MSBA works with a good deal of schools to set up and facilitate high school trials that allow students to gain a basic understanding of the judicial system. The purpose behind the mock trial isn’t exactly to prepare students, but to inspire them. By allowing students to experience the thrills or power of a courtroom, they may pursue a career in law.
If you’re interested in bringing the mock trial to your school, contacting the MSBA is the best option for your Minnesotan high school.
Legal Mock Trials
In the judicial system, mock trials serve several purposes. According to the American Bar Association, mock trials allow you to observe how a jury may react, gain a second perspective, identify strengths and weaknesses, and finally, improve your skills. The skills you gather when performing a mock trial allow you to handle the pressure of a real courtroom.
Mock trials are usually an option presented for lawyers and attorneys to participate in. In this case, they use volunteers to assist them by providing responses and allowing the lawyer or attorney to test their theories.
Mock trials can be especially helpful when disputing claims over debt. Debt is a touchy subject in court and in some states, the debt collector will file a lawsuit if you aren’t able to pay your debt. This affects a large majority of Americans and, according to Credit Summit, the average American household has over $8,000 in credit card debt.
Competitive Mock Trials
Mock trials on a competitive level allow individuals to compete on a scholastic and collegiate level. Competitions such as these are often held as tournaments between colleges, but the MSBA also provides details on how high schools can compete. The competitions usually begin in the late winter with registration and practice occurring sometime in the fall prior.
Conclusion
Mock trials serve the direct purpose of preparing yourself for a legal case of some kind. High school and collegiate-level mock trials can either inspire students or display legal knowledge that makes them indistinguishable from a real trial. Competitive mock trials and mock trial tournaments serve this purpose as well. Aspiring lawyers and attorneys at the high school and collegiate level will test their mettle against their peers. Professional lawyers employ mock trials as a means of airing out their ideas and pitching their cases before a volunteer jury. The mock trial may not prepare the average person for their court date, but it could help your lawyer win your case.