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 (due to COVID trials in 2022 may take place virtually) 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 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).

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:

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

How do I join?

There are 2 options to join the Mock Trial team:

Try-out on September 28 or September 29:
1. See tryout information below
2. Sign Up for a slot at: https://bit.ly/AVMT22. Please use your Collab email to sign up.
Join without a try-out (i.e., “just show up”).
1. Turn in your registration form to the Mock Trial mailbox in the office or bring it to our first team meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM in Room A108.
2. Can’t make it? No problem! Just send an email to eric.strauss@district196.org.

The benefit of trying out is you can showcase your skills to make a higher team (e.g., Varsity or JV). There are no cuts and everyone makes a team. You can even join with a group of friends and compete together!

When do meetings/practices start?

Our first team meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM in room A108.

Can’t make it? No problem! Just send an email to eric.strauss@district196.org.

Practices begin Monday, October 24, 2022.
Non-Varsity Team members are expected to attend 2-3 practices per week from the following options:
We will have in person practices on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A108 starting October 24, 2022.
We will have virtual practices on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm over Zoom. The first Zoom practice will be on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

When are the competitions/events?

The 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.

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. We are traveling to Baltimore in September 2022.

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

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).