High School Mock Trial Program |
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Mock trial is designed to introduce students to our legal system by providing a challenging, academic competition. The program offers students an opportunity for personal growth and achievement, emphasizing the importance of research, presentation and teamwork.
In addition to teaching students about contemporary public issues and the legal system, the program encourages teachers and students to develop learning partnerships with professionals from the community.
Lawyers from communities throughout Iowa contribute their time as coaches and judges at the tournaments.
Judges from Iowa's District Courts also participate. These linkages between the schools and the legal profession show students that the community is committed to their educational success.
We hope that you will consider participation in this valuable educational program. Last year, more than 1,600 students from across Iowa participated. The tournament includes students from social studies courses, TAG programs, at-risk classes and extracurricular mock trial clubs. We urge you to join the fun!
2026 Iowa High School Mock Trial Tournament Information
Iowa City High School walked away with the state championship trophy at this year’s Iowa High School Mock Trial State Tournament. The Iowa City team outperformed a team from Ankeny Centennial High School to take the top honors on Wednesday, April 1. The Iowa City High School team will now have the honor of representing Iowa at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, hosted by The Iowa State Bar Association in Des Moines in May.
- Case Materials: State of Iowa v. Seneca Crane (Revised Final)
- Case Materials Digest
- What is Mock Trial and its Learning Objectives
- Competition Time Sheet
- Rules of Procedure
- Rules of Evidence
- Summary Memo of Rule Changes
- Iowa Mock Trial Explanatory Guide
- Coach Instruction Guide
Resources
MockTrial101.com
Created by current Iowa High School Mock Trial participant, Joe Semelroth, this is a tremendous free resource for teacher coaches, attorney coaches and participants alike. The website features a series of short video clips to help those new to the Iowa Mock Trial program understand the process – and serves as a great refresher course for those already involved.
Judges Information
- Volunteer to Judge Regional Tournaments Only (not available)
- Volunteer to Judge State Tournaments Only (not available)
- HSMT Judges Resources
- Judges Handbook
- Scoring/Evaluation Criteria
Additional Information
- Past High School Mock Trial Champions
- Regional Award Criteria
- Regional Individual Award Certificate
- Mock Trial Participation Certificate
- Iowa Mock Trial Code of Civility & Ethics
- Tell Us About Your Attorney Coach
- Nominate a Coach to the Hall of Fame
- What Students Say About Iowa Mock Trial
Photography and Recording Notice
By registering for and attending an event hosted by The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA), you acknowledge and agree that you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. These photos and recordings may be used by the ISBA for promotional, educational, and other lawful purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and printed materials.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact ISBA Center for Law & Civic Education Director, John Wheeler, at 515-697-7882 or at jwheeler@iowabar.org.
Sponsors
Special thanks to The Iowa State Bar Foundation, Lawyers Trust Account Commission IOLTA Program, and Prairie Meadows for grant awards for the 2025–2026 Iowa Mock Trial Program.
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