Mock Hearings

A student mock hearing is a simulation of a real court or administrative hearing, with students playing the roles of lawyers, witnesses, accused, court staff and in some cases the judge. Fact scenarios can include civil or criminal disputes. During mock hearings, students reenact every step of a real hearing. Depending on the type of hearing this may include; opening the case, examining witnesses, presenting legal arguments, making and responding to objections, making sentencing submissions, mediating, negotiating with opposing counsel, and receiving a judgment.

Mock hearings are a great way to bring the law to life for students. Participants develop their advocacy, public speaking, organization, research, and reasoning skills. They work as members of a team, developing a theory of a case, and making sure all elements of their case are presented harmoniously.  Individually, either as a lawyer presenting arguments or leading evidence, or as a witness giving evidence, they develop personal confidence and self-esteem.  And student participants learn to think on their feet!   Through mock bail hearings, mock trials, mock sentencings, mock sentencing circles and mock appeals, students experience many different aspects of the justice system and consider different legal and procedural issues. Mock trials enable a student to be part of the adjudication process and learn the fundamentals of courtroom etiquette, the order of a trial, and the rules of evidence. Mock sentencings allow students to consider different aspects of offences, and the rationales behind sentencing offenders. Mock bail hearings involve students in balancing the rights of the accused against the safety of the public prior to a trial. Participating in a sentencing circle demonstrates the role of the community and the victim in rehabilitation efforts and also highlights aboriginal perspectives of justice.  Appeals engage students in crafting legal arguments, and include researching legal precedents and drafting facta.    When justice sector representatives get involved, students also benefit from positive interactions with members of the legal profession.  The opportunity to discuss different aspects of the judicial process deepens students’ understanding and provides positive role modeling and career information.  Active engagement with the justice system benefits students’ academic progress and establishes a foundation for a lifelong understanding of their role in our democracy.