Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program
After-School
Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program: Grades 6-8
Discovering Justiceâs Mock Trial and Mock Appeal Programs pair middle school students with legal professionals to explore the judicial system, analyze a legal case, and practice the civic skills needed to persuasively argue cases. Through these engaging, supportive weekly sessions, student attorneys develop the confidence and vital civic skills like perspective taking, critical thinking, writing, and civil discourse necessary to become leaders in their communities. This semester-long program culminates with students presenting their case before a real judge and jury of community members for Mock Trial and panel of judges for Mock Appeal.
What’s New
For the 2022-2023 school year, Discovering Justice is excited to offer a new case, âRoss v. Clearmont High School,â based around the 4th Amendment and the precedent set by New Jersey v. T. L. O. Through this case, our teams will explore the limitations of personal privacy in school and online.
Follow along with the semester on the Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program’s blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
For Schools and Families
For Legal Mentors
Chetna Gandhi
8th Grade student, JFK Middle SchoolÂ
âDiscovering Justice deepened my understanding of civics and government. The things I learned here helped me understand my classesâand that felt like it gave me the edge up in class, and in life.â
Siri Carr
8th grade ELA teacher, Brooke Charter School
âIn Discovering Justice, kids are learning to believe in themselves, and become more confident. Iâve seen the power of my students getting to apply the skills theyâre learningâand making those real world connections is so important.â
Masiah Nieves
8th grade student, Robinson Middle School
âDuring my four years doing Discovering Justice, Iâve made a lot of memories, and now Iâve found something Iâm interested in, and something Iâm really passionate about.â