Middle 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 2,000 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!
2025 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial Tournament Information
A Regis Catholic Middle School team from Cedar Rapids won the 2025 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Tournament on Dec. 3 in a competitive final round held at the Iowa Judicial Branch Building. This year's runner-up team was from Marion Independent Schools. Additional state semi-finalists were from Johnston Middle School and Timberline Middle School in Waukee. The coveted Judge Anthony Critelli Award for Civility, Sportsmanship, and Courtroom Decorum was taken home by Johnston Middle School.
VIEW FULL RESULTS AND AWARDS
- 2025 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial Case: State of Iowa v. Dannie Dawson (revised 9/29)
- Digest of Case Corrections and Revisions
- Competition Time Sheet
- Rules of Procedure
- Rules of Evidence
- Summary Memo of Rule Changes
Introductory Resources
- Explanatory Guide
- What is Mock Trial and its Learning Objectives
- Webinar: Iowa Mock Trial 101: Middle School Mock Trial Basics
- PowerPoint: Iowa Mock Trial 101: Middle School Mock Trial Basics
- Coaching Tips
- Coaching Tips II
Additional Resources
MockTrial101.com
Created by recent 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.
Championship Mock Trial: The Guide for Students and Coaches
(Hon. David Nelmark, Justin Bernstein)
Judge Nelmark is an Iowa Mock Trial alum and has participated in mock trial at every level and in every capacity – from middle school and high school participant to judge, coach and National Director of the American Mock Trial Association (College Mock Trial program). In this manual, he channels his passion and expertise for mock trial into a very useful guide for coaches.
Available through Amazon.com
Law Lessons
Recommended by a current Iowa Middle School and High School teacher coach, this resource includes practice trials (scripted and unscripted) useful in introducing beginning concepts and courtroom procedures.
Judges Information
Additional Information
- Past Middle School Mock Trial Champions
- Regional Award Criteria
- Regional Award Certificate
- Mock Trial Participate 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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