About – AVHS Mock Trial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mock Trial?

Mock Trial is a fall/winter activity in which students simulate a real trial. Teams are provided materials from the Minnesota State Bar Association and develop a case from top to bottom.

Teams consist of attorneys, witnesses, a timekeeper and a bailiff. Teams compete against people from a different school. Teams must prepare both sides of the case (prosecution/plaintiff and defense) for every competition.

Trials are performed at Real Courthouses in front of Real Judges and Attorneys. Last season, our team argued in front of some of the top judges in the state of Minnesota, including Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Lillehaug.

Is mock trial only for students interested in law?

No, Mock Trial is a great activity for people of a wide variety of interests such as acting, public speaking, debate, and law.

Why is Mock Trial a good activity for someone interested in acting?

Being a witness in a mock trial is acting. As a witness, you learn a script and portray a character. Mock trial is especially effective at developing Improv and Method Acting skills.

How successful is the AVHS Mock Trial Team?

The AVHS Mock Trial team is one of the top teams in the Nation. We placed in the Top Ten at 7 National Tournaments since 2019, and have placed in the top 3 at State in 4 of the past 5 seasons.

Members of the AVHS Mock Trial team have won over 240 individual awards in the past 7 years, including 16 All-State and 15 National Awards (more than any other team in the state).

I am involved in other activities. Can I still join Mock Trial?

You can do Mock Trial in addition to most other activities. Mock trial participants have successfully participated in all of the following activities:

Jazz Band
Broadway
Band
School Plays
Debate
Speech
Soccer
Volleyball
Chess
Robotics
Quiz Bowl
Math Team
Science Olympiad
Student Council
National Honor Society
Baseball
Football
Softball
Lacrosse
Dance
Choir
Ultimate Frisbee
One Act
Others!

The only activities where scheduling conflicts are difficult to overcome are winter sports.

How do I join?

To get more information about joining, please fill out the form by clicking here.

When do meetings/practices start?

The Pre-Season starts the 2nd week of school. Check the calendar by clicking here.

The Minnesota Season starts Mid-October. Check the calendar by clicking here.

When are the competitions/events?

The Minnesota Mock Trial season for all members runs from Mid-October through the End of January. Members of the Varsity team may also qualify for State Tournament in March and Nationals in May.

The Pre-Season runs from September-October.

What experience is needed? What levels are there?

You do not need any experience to join the team. Depending on our numbers, we will have a Varsity Team, a JV Team, and Novice/Developmental Team(s).

Can you letter?

Yes, historically over 90% of the team members letter in Mock Trial.

Are there travel opportunities?

Yes. As one of the top programs in the country, we are often invited to attend national tournaments.

Can I see what Mock Trial is like?

Yes! Just stop by any practice.

Have another question?

Contact Coach Eric Strauss (eric.strauss@district196.org).

Tradition of Excellence

The AVHS Mock Trial team is one of the top teams in the Nation. We placed in the Top Ten at 5 National Tournaments since October 2019, and have advanced to the State Championship Round 3 of the past 4 seasons.

Members of the AVHS Mock Trial team have won over 200 individual awards in the past 6 years, including 14 All-State and 12 National Awards (more than any other team in the state).