Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Artist Competition |
The Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Artist Competition invites students to showcase their artistic abilities and experience courtroom artistry firsthand! Students will observe Iowa High School Mock Trial events and translate the courtroom environment, arguments, and compelling narratives into a captivating work of art. This competition offers a unique opportunity to showcase artistic talent and perspective while engaging in civic education. Please see the details below for more information.
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Contestants must register at least 14 days before the first competition date.
2026 Courtroom Artist Competition
State Tournament for High School Mock Trial
Iowa Events Center
730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA
Round 1: March 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Round 2: March 31 at 9:00 a.m.
Courtroom Artist Rules
Eligible Contestants
- Each Contestant must be a current 9th – 12th grade student in the State of Iowa.
Requirements
- Contestants must register at least two weeks (14 days) before the first competition date. If a Contestant wishes to participate but fails to register, please contact The Iowa State Bar Association directly to inquire about late-registration.
- By registering, Contestants consent to their artwork being published or reproduced for educational and/or marketing purposes without financial compensation.
- All Contestants must view the courtroom artist video prior to the competition. PLEASE NOTE – parts of the video do not accurately reflect Iowa courtroom artist competition rules. See Drawing Specifications listed below.
- No financial compensation will be awarded.
Contest Procedures
- Official artist drawings will be produced in either Round 1 or Round 2, but each Contestant may only submit one drawing for the competition. An official artist drawing must be submitted to the Competition Coordinator at the conclusion of the trial for judging.
- If the Contestant is enrolled in a school which is competing, Contestant must complete their drawings within a courtroom where such an affiliated team is competing.
- The sketch must depict a real courtroom scene observed during the applicable trial.
- During the trial, introduce yourself to the judges by name, introduce yourself as the trial artist, but do not mention your school affiliation.
- You may sit wherever in the courtroom, and the chosen location must be agreed upon by both teams and the judges.
- You must always wear your nametag while in the courtroom.
- Movement is restricted once the trial begins, and no communication is allowed with any participants or visitors during the trial. This includes non-verbal communication.
- Contestants may only work on their drawing during the trial.
- Contestants must submit their drawings to the Competition Coordinator before the start of Round 3.
Drawing Specifications
- Drawings may be done in color or black and white.
- Drawings must be on 11” x 14” paper, in horizontal format.
- Acceptable mediums include colored pencil, pen and ink, pastel, and marker. Watercolors and paint are not permitted.
- Contestant’s name must be on the back of the drawing. Signatures may not appear on the front. No indication of school affiliation may be on the drawing.
Judging
- Drawings will be anonymously scored and evaluated by judges. The artist with the highest-scoring drawing will earn the title of “Courtroom Artist State Champion.”
- Results will be announced during the Awards Ceremony.
Creative Tips
- Capture the most significant moment in the trial, such as a dramatic witness testimony or a surprising twist. The artist should focus on conveying the energy and atmosphere of the courtroom.
- Ensure accuracy in portraying the courtroom setting, but focus on telling the story, not on minor details.
- Convey the courtroom atmosphere clearly—highlight key elements like the witness stand, or judge's bench to establish context.
| Criteria | Outstanding (17-20 points) |
Above Average (13-16 points) |
Average (9-12 points) |
Below Average (0-8 points) |
| Accuracy of Depiction (telling the story) (20 points): Does the drawing give an immediate feeling of an event taking place? Does it accurately reflect the courtroom setting? Does it show action and tell a story? |
Courtroom, participants, trial moment(s) are depicted with great accuracy and attention to detail. Characters’ positions, clothing, expressions, and environment are true to the mock trial setting. | Courtroom and participants are depicted accurately, but some minor details may be missing or misrepresented. The moment captured is clear but lacks some precision. | The courtroom and characters are somewhat accurate, but there are notable omissions. The trial moment is unclear or lacking clarifying details. | The courtroom and characters are poorly represented, with significant inaccuracies in setting, posture, or expressions. The moment of the trial is hard to recognize. |
| Technical Skill (20 points): How well-executed is the artwork in terms of technical skill? This includes drawing technique, use of medium, proportions, and overall quality |
The artwork demonstrates exceptional technical skill, with strong use of shading, proportion, line work, and color/contrast. The piece is polished and visually appealing. | The artwork demonstrates solid technical skill, with only minor issues in proportion, shading, or other elements. | The artwork shows some technical weaknesses, such as awkward proportions, inconsistent shading, or rough lines, but still communicates the trial moment. | The artwork shows many technical flaws that distract from the overall effect, such as poor proportions, or lack of attention to detail. |
| Creativity and Artistic Interpretation (20 points): Does the artist bring creativity to their portrayal of the courtroom moment? Is there a unique perspective or interpretation of the trial? |
The artwork demonstrates high creativity and originality. The artist has captured a unique perspective or moment, adding a personal touch that enhances the scene. | The artwork is generally creative, offering a different angle or viewpoint, though it may not stand out significantly from typical courtroom depictions. | The artwork is fairly standard and lacks a creative perspective or unique interpretation. The moment is captured without much originality. | The artwork lacks creativity, and the scene feels generic or uninspired. The trial moment is depicted without personal flair. |
| Authenticity (20 points): Does the artwork convey a professional feeling without seeming cartoonish? Does the illustration, no matter the style, carry the idea of adhering to a respectful, convincing depiction of a courtroom event? |
The artwork conveys a highly authentic representation of a courtroom trial. Expressions, actions, and interactions of participants (attorneys, witnesses, judge) feel true to a real trial scenario. The atmosphere is compelling and reflects the gravity of the proceedings. |
The artwork is generally authentic, but there may be minor deviations in how certain elements (e.g., body language or courtroom procedures) are portrayed. The trial scene feels genuine but could be more nuanced. | The artwork feels somewhat inauthentic, with exaggerated or unrealistic portrayals of the courtroom or participants. Some aspects of the trial may seem out of place or overly dramatic. | The artwork lacks authenticity, with a stylized or unrealistic representation of the courtroom. The depiction of the trial moment or characters is not believable or fails to capture the true essence of a courtroom setting. |
