SBCSS News and Press Releases

Semifinalists Set For County Mock Trial Competition

2009-12-02

SAN BERNARDINO - After four rounds of competition, the 28th annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial semifinals will be held at the San Bernardino Civic Courthouse on Dec. 5. The four top high schools from San Bernardino County will challenge for spots in the finals on Dec. 12.

In the semifinals, Redlands East Valley High School will be the defense team with Arrowhead Christian Academy's Red team as the prosecution in one courtroom. In the second courtroom, Redlands High School's Blue team will be the prosecution with Apple Valley High School representing the defense. Redlands and Redlands East Valley made the finals in 2008, with Redlands winning the championship. The San Bernardino Civic Courthouse is located at 303 W. Third St. in San Bernardino.

In this year's semifinals, the competitions will begin at 9 a.m. The winners from each of the semifinals will compete in the county finals on Dec. 12 at the Foothill Law and Justice Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Close to 600 high school students representing 32 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 and two attorneys.

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 19-21 in San Jose.