SAN JOSE, CA –Twenty eight teams of high school students from Santa Clara County will meet and compete during the Mock Trial Competition season, which begins Tuesday, January 31.
This annual event is co-hosted by the Santa Clara County Bar Association.
"The Mock Trial Competition is the culminating event of an annual program which gives students the opportunity to learn the judicial system hands-on. Students work with both educators and attorneys and learn trial preparation, courtroom protocol, courtroom procedures, analysis, and communication" said Jeanette Rodriguez-Chien, Chief Academic Officer.
The Mock Trial Competition allows participants to execute trial statements, arguments, and examinations against teams, and receive feedback from experienced attorney judges.
The teams will perform in a bracket-like competition throughout the month of February until one team, the county champion, is selected to go on to the State Finals March 24-26. Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry will recognize county winners and participating teams during a ceremony on March 7.
"Civic Engagement programs like Mock Trial are an important part of the education process," Rodriguez-Chien added. "These programs help prepare students for the future and help them gain knowledge, skills, and understanding of their social and civic responsibilities."
The Santa Clara County Office of Education is located at 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95131. For more information, contact Bonnie Mace, consultant in the Curriculum & Instruction Department, at (408) 406-4974 or academicevents@sccoe.org.
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