Mock Trial Competition (Grades 3-6)
Every year, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation invites elementary school students and their teachers to participate in our Law Fair Competition by submitting original mock trial cases. There is no entry fee. The purpose is to promote understanding of the law and our justice system, and to educate students about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Law Fair helps to fulfill civics education requirements, such as New Jersey Learning Standard 6.3.8 Civics PR.5, engagement in simulated democratic processes which includes judicial proceedings.
Law Fair provides an interactive educational experience that enhances students’ writing, speaking and analytical skills as they learn about the justice system. Competing in Law Fair is free and open to students in public, private, charter and home schools, as well as Scout troops, and other organizations in New Jersey.
Note: Other youth organizations/groups, such as Scout Troups, may enter this competition if eligibility requirements are met. Please email Sheila Boro, Director of Mock Trial Programs, at sboro@njsbf.org to confirm eligibility.
2026 Law Fair – You Be the Jury
Experience what it’s like to serve as jurors in person with your students at the New Jersey Law Center! Hear cases performed by winners of this year’s Law Fair competition. After hearing the cases, you and your students will deliberate and render verdicts.
- When: May 11 – May 14 (morning and afternoon sessions available – see the registration link for dates and times)
- Where: In-person at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, NJ
- Who can attend: 3rd – 6th Grade students and their teachers (regardless of whether you entered the competition or not)
- Free. There is no charge to attend.
- Space is limited. Register by April 24.
- Register to attend here. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Congratulations Law Fair winners!
The winning cases, selected from 85 entries, dealt with vandalism, dog-napping, theft, negligence, medical malpractice, counterfeit rookie cards and porch piracy.
Click on the image (or here: 2026 Law Fair Winners) to download the PDF.
Additional Resources
- Law Fair Teacher Workshop (Oct. 21, 2025) Presentation: download here.
- Law Fair Civics Curriculum Guide: download here. This guide was prepared by past winning teachers.
- Mini-Court Teacher’s Guide (background information, glossary of legal terms and word searches). Download here: Mini Court Teacher’s Guide 2025
- Additional Mock Trial & Civics Content, including quizzes: click here.
- Winning cases from past Law Fair Competitions can be viewed and downloaded below.
Find out why learning about the law can be both educational and enjoyable by watching this short video.
What is a mock trial anyway? Watch this brief video to learn about the elements of a mock trial from opening statements to direct and cross-examination to closing arguments.
Previous winning cases…click on image to download pdf.
