Mock Trial Competition for Grades 7 and 8

Every year, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation invites seventh- and eighth-graders and their teachers to participate in our Law Adventure Competition by submitting original mock trial cases. There is no charge to enter. The cases submitted must be suitable for use in the classroom as a tool to teach students about legal issues.
Law Adventure helps to fulfill civics education requirements, such as NJ Learning Standard 6.3.8 Civics PR.5, engagement in simulated democratic processes which includes judicial proceedings
Law Adventure provides an interactive educational experience that enhances students’ writing, speaking and analytical skills as they learn about the justice system. Competing in Law Adventure is free and open to students in public, private, charter and home schools, as well as Scout troops, and other organizations in New Jersey.
Teacher Workshop: Learn how to bring civics to life in your classroom. Information about how to participate in our Law Adventure Competition will be shared at a free workshop.
- Tuesday, Oct. 21
- 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick
- Continental breakfast and lunch included
- Earn 4 PD Credits
Congratulations to the Law Adventure winners!
The winning cases, selected from 85 entries, dealt with Bill of Rights Issues. 42 schools joined the competition and 622 students participated.
Click on the image or here: Law Adventure Winners March 2025
Law Adventure: You be the Jury ~ May 5-8
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 Adventure competition. After hearing the cases, you and your students will deliberate and render verdicts.
- When: May 5-8 (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: 7th -8th 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 to attend by April 25.

Marlboro Memorial Middle School – 2024 Winner (Grade 8)
Additional Resources
- Law Adventure Curriculum Guide: download here. This guide was prepared by John Shanagher, retired teacher, Bloomfield Middle School, and Lauren Barton, currently principal of the Brookdale School in Bloomfield.
- Mini-Court Teacher’s Guide (background information, glossary of legal terms and word searches). Download here.
- Additional Mock Trial & Civics Content, including quizzes: click here.
- Winning cases from past Law Adventure Competitions can be viewed and downloaded below.
Watch clips of students from Bloomfield Middle School present their winning mock trial case at a workshop for teachers of grades 3 – 8. This segment is from Classroom Close-up NJ, produced by the New Jersey Education Association and NJTV with additional funding from PSE&G. Classroom Close-up NJ features innovative programs in New Jersey’s public schools.