The Montana High School Mock Trial Program was established in 2019 by the Trustees of the State Bar of Montana, and the first statewide competition was held at the Montana Capitol Building in March 2020.
Through participation in the Montana High School Mock Trial Competition, students from all over Montana have a hands-on opportunity to examine the legal process and current legal issues, engage with local attorneys and the judicial branch of government, and develop important critical thinking, presentation, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
Students play the roles of attorneys, witnesses, timekeepers, and courtroom artists (optional). Students prepare both sides of the case. A student may be an attorney for one side and a witness for the other, or an attorney for both sides, or a witness for both sides. Timekeepers keep the competition rounds on schedule. Courtroom artists provide a visual record of the proceedings.
Teachers help recruit team members, handle team logistics, assist with fundraising, and partner with attorney coaches to prepare students for the competition.
Attorneys, Judges, Paralegals and Law Students provide a lawyer's perspective on the case materials and work with the teams to learn trial practice skills and develop trial strategies. Legal professionals also volunteer as competition judges.