CLEVELAND — High school students from eight counties throughout Northeast Ohio are competing in Ohio’s mock trial district competitions.
High schools from Cuyahoga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Stark, Summit and Tuscarawas counties are all involved.
This is the 37th year for the program and more than 3,000 students throughout the state participate each year.
Students compete in a fake trial, with defense teams, prosecution and are given mock cases.
This year’s case focuses on first amendment student speech. Specifically, the difference between on-campus and off-campus speech.
Teams of 5 to 11 students must prepare cases as both plaintiff and defendant and participate in two trials against different teams.
Ohio’s competition is the 2nd largest law-related education program in the U.S.
Mock trial is proven to help teens with critical thinking, public speaking, advocacy, research and writing skills.
More than 1,500 teachers and legal professionals volunteer their time and expertise to make it possible.
The regional competition is in February and the state competition is in March.
The public is invited to attend.
