SBCSS News and Press Releases

Semifinalists Set For County Mock Trial Competition

2008-12-03

SAN BERNARDINO - After four rounds of competition, the 27th annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial semifinals will be held at the San Bernardino Civic Court House on Dec. 6. The four top high schools from San Bernardino County will challenge for spots in the finals on Dec. 13.

In the semifinals, Redlands East Valley High will be the prosecuting team with Silverado as the defense in one courtroom. In the second courtroom, Redlands High I will be the prosecution with Arrowhead Christian representing the defense. Redlands and Redlands East Valley made the finals in 2007, with Redlands East Valley going on to win the championship. The Civic Courthouse is located at 303 W. Third St. in San Bernardino.

In this year's semifinals, the morning event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session will be from approximately 1:30 to 4 p.m. with the roles reversed for the teams. The winners from each of these courts will compete in the county finals on Dec. 13 at the Foothill Law and Justice Center, located at 8303 Haven Ave.

Close to 600 high school students representing 29 high schools have participated in the Mock Trial competition this year. The event is co-sponsored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney. The Mock Trial competition is a simulation of a criminal court case where high school students portray the principal courtroom characters on both sides of a case before a real judge.

The public is invited to attend the semifinal rounds of the competition, but there is limited seating. The winner of the county competition will advance to the state finals on March 20-22 in Riverside.