Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School – Mock Trial and Public Speaking

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

Mock Trial is a year-long course designed to introduce students to the skills of public speaking and the Oregon Civics Project's mock trial competition. Using a mock court case, students will perform the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and court officers while developing skills in public speaking, teamwork, research, and collaboration. Students will also learn basic legal concepts related to both civil and criminal law. Mock Trial brings the law alive for students and gives them a voice in what otherwise might seem a very distant justice system. In addition to the mock trial competition, students will also have the opportunity to learn and practice other types of public speaking such as narrative, persuasive, impromptu, and debate. Students who register for this class should commit to competing in the "Mini Mock" competition on a Saturday in early November and the Mock Trial Regional on a Saturday in early March.