Middle School Mock Trial
Ohio Middle School Mock Trial
About Middle School Mock Trial
Combine middle school students' love of argument with a love of good literature. Middle School Mock Trial cases are literature-based, with cases constructed from books most commonly read in the middle grades. Students learn first-hand about the law, court procedures, and the judicial system while also building critical 21st-century skills.
Middle School Mock Trial cases are based on popular literature, written by teams of teachers and lawyers. Middle school students act as witnesses and attorneys to argue cases involving their favorite characters. The program was designed with Ohio’s Learning Standards for social studies and English/language arts in mind and is ideal for interdisciplinary teaching. Students read and analyze witness statements drawn from the characters in the books. Students then work collaboratively to develop arguments for both sides and develop strategies to question the witnesses.
OCLRE Mock Trial provides the opportunity for students to put together a coherent argument for their side of the case using furnished testimonial and physical evidence. The comprehensive approach includes reading a case summary, trial briefs, and witness statements.
Middle School Mock Trial has cases based on books commonly read at the middle school level. OCLRE chooses one case to be the featured case at the State Showcase.
For questions, contact Jenna Lewis at jlewis@oclre.org or call 614-485-3515.
Costs
| Membership (Optional): | $30 annually |
| Mock Trial Conference (Optional): |
$75 for 2 Days $50 for 1 Day $25 for Recordings Only |
| Case Materials (Showcase Piece): |
$40 per school for members $85 per school for non-members |
| Team Registration: |
$80 per team for members $125 per team for non-members |
Testimonials
"Mock Trial teaches students so much more than the legal process. They develop teamwork strategies, critical thinking skills, and so much more. The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming after they complete a trial.” ~ Amy Huber, Ridgeview Middle School
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the legal system and to find their voices.” ~ Christine Spinner, St. Hilary School
“Middle School Mock Trial benefits the students by improving their speaking skills and helping students overcome the fear of public speaking. It encourages students to think outside the box and dive into subject matter that is not always familiar to them.” ~ Vicky Potter, Danville Middle School
“The growth you will see in the children is well worth it!” ~ Mehgan Lucas, Trellis Academy
“It is a great, self-motivated chance for students to focus on presentation skills.” ~ Drew Farrell, Genoa Middle School
“It’s a fun, unique way to expose kids to the law. It involves public speaking and thinking on your feet. I would encourage teachers to try it!” ~ Lisa Koo, Shalom Christian Academy
Case File
2025 State Showcase Piece
OCLRE is writing a new case this year based on the book, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. Stay tuned for more updates about the release date and registration.
Case Materials Cost
| Member Rate: | Non-Member Rate: | |
| Annual Showcase Piece - Digital Only (per school/advisor): | $40.00 | $85.00 |
| Past Case File(s): | $25.00 | $80.00 |
Additional Middle School Mock Trial Cases
OCLRE offers 11 cases based on books commonly read at the Middle School level. Any of these cases can be used in the classroom as a complement when educators might teach the book as part of the class.
OCLRE rotates one case each year to be the featured State Showcase piece. If you plan on attending the Showcase, make sure you purchase the featured case for that year.
You may order a past Middle School Mock Trial case HERE.
- Elsewhere v. Jonas, based on The Giver by Lois Lowry
- State of Arizona v. Susanna Morales, based on Greystone Secrets: The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- State of Texas v. Walker, based on Holes by Louis Sachar
- Oklahoma v. J. Case, based on The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- State of Mississippi v. T.J. Avery, based on Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
- British Crown v. Johnny Tremain, based on Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- State of Ohio v. Frankie Hunter, based on Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Benjamin et al. v. Napoleon et al., based on Animal Farm by George Orwell
- State of Ohio v. Philip Malloy, based on Nothing but the Truthby Avi
- Rhode Island v. C. Doyle, based on True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
- State of Ohio v. Fred Smith, based on Bloodstain by Christopher Rowan
An additional case, The People v. Dr. Gimesby Roylott, based on The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is available as a free download. This can give your students the opportunity to practice a whole or parts of a mock trial before diving into a larger case.
Questions? Contact Jenna Lewis at jlewis@oclre.org or call 614-485-3515.
Not a member yet? You can easily join while registering for any OCLRE program!
Middle School Mock Trial State Showcase
2025 Middle School Mock Trial Showcase
Save the dates for the 2025 Middle School Mock Trial Competition!
- Day 1 - Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Day 2 - Friday, April 25, 2025
- Day 3 - Friday, May 9, 2025
Registration Cost
| Member Rate (per team): | Non-Member Rate (per team): |
| $80.00 | $125.00 |
For more information on how to become involved with the Middle School Mock Trial program, please contact Jenna Lewis at jlewis@oclre.org or call 614-485-3515.
FAQ
