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 New Jersey Learning Standard 6.3.8 Civics PR.5, engagement in simulated democratic processes which includes judicial proceedings.

 

2023 Competition

  • Download the Law Adventure 2022-2023 Competition Rules Booklet here. 
  • Students must develop a case on one of two topics: (1) Students Rights or (2) Defamation.
  • Entry Deadline: January 31, 2023
  • Submit your case here. (Remember to review the rules booklet carefully before submitting.)
  • Competition Overview Flyer (share with colleagues) view and download here.

 

Law Adventure: You be the Jury (May 8th – 11th) – In-person at the NJ Law Center

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 8 – May 11 (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 and 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 by April 24.
  • Register to attend here.  Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

 

Additional Resources

  • Law Adventure Civics 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, Bloomfield.
  • Speakers’ PowerPoint from our October 28th Law Fair/Law Adventure workshop: click here.
  • Mini-Court Teacher’s Guide (background information, glossary of legal terms and word searches) Download the guide here.
  • Additional Mock Trial & Civics Content, including quizzes: click here.
  • Winning cases from past Law Adventure Competitions can be viewed and downloaded below.

Questions?

Please contact Sheila Boro, Director of Mock Trial Programs at [email protected]

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.

Previous winning cases…click on image to download the pdf.