Delaware’s High School Mock Trial program was started in 1991, and the 2022 competition will mark the 31st consecutive competition. In 1990, four schools competed. Since then, the competition has grown and now more than 20 high schools from across the state send teams to compete.

The competition is open to all public and private schools in the state. Teams are provided a case problem to review, analyze, and try during the competition.

The goal of the competition is to enhance students’ citizenship skills. Students learn about our trial system and develop critical thinking and public speaking skills. Mock Trial also provides teachers with a tool for authentic assessment.

During the actual competition, the students play the roles of the witnesses and the attorneys and must try the case before a judge and scoring jury. There are four rounds, which take place over two days. After the final round, the students and coaches are invited to attend an awards banquet honoring the winners and participants. The Competition has historically been held in Wilmington, Delaware.

The winner of the Delaware competition represents the state at the National High School Mock Trial Championship. Delaware has sent a representative to the National Competition for over twenty years.