SBCSS News and Press Releases

Mock Trial Semifinalists Will Compete On Dec. 4

2004-12-03

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- After four rounds of competition, the 23rd annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial semifinals will be held at the Foothill Law and Justice Center, 8303 Haven Ave., on Dec. 4. The four top high schools from San Bernardino County will challenge their contenders in this event. Apple Valley High will be the prosecuting team with Redlands High the defense in one courtroom. In the second courtroom, Upland High will be the defense with Redlands East Valley representing the prosecution. The morning event is held from 9:15 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session will be from approximately 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. with the roles reversed for the teams. The winners from each of these courts will compete on December 11 at the same facility. Judge Michael Welch will preside in Room R-3, along with Deputy District Attorney Karen Schmauss and Public Defender Pat Diamond. Judge Peter Norell, Deputy District Attorney Karen Bell and Public Defender Pam King will take the lead in Room R-5. More than 400 high school students representing 29 high schools have participated in the Mock Trial competition this year, it 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 all rounds of the competition, but there is limited seating. The winner of the county competition will advance to the state finals on March 18-20 in Riverside.