Teacher and Coach Resources
Whether you’re starting a new team or preparing for your next competition season, our resources can help students, teachers, and coaches understand mock trial basics, manage competition requirements, and strengthen their courtroom skills.
Mock Trial Competition Materials
Registered teams receive access to the annual case and all subsequent updates and clarifications. Teams are responsible for reviewing all case updates and competition communications before competing.
Registered teams will receive the following materials by email:
Case packet and all updates
Regional information, including assignments, locations, and schedules
State championship information, including the location, schedule, and other details
For more information, please consult our mock trial competition FAQs.
Rules of the Mock Trial Competition and Rules of Evidence
The Virginia and Washington, DC, Rules of Competition govern regional and state competitions. The National High School Mock Trial Rules of Evidence govern evidentiary issues unless the competition materials expressly provide otherwise.
VLRE Rules of Competition (a new version will be released by September 15, 2026)
How to Start and Manage a Mock Trial Team
The following resources may help new teams interested in joining the Mock Trial program.
Suggested preparation schedule, from registration through regional competition
How to Find an Attorney Coach
Attorney coaches help students understand courtroom procedure, evidence, trial strategy, and effective advocacy. Prior coaching experience is helpful but not required.
Teams seeking an attorney coach may email a request to be matched with a volunteer in their area. Matches depend on volunteer availability and are not guaranteed.
Mock Trial Advocacy Resources
Building the Case
Attorney Skills
Witness Skills
Additional Mock Trial Opportunities
The following independent organizations offer mock trial competitions or summer training programs. These programs are not administered by or affiliated with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture or its Mock Trial program.
Dates, fees, eligibility requirements, and program formats are determined by the sponsoring organizations.
Empire Mock Trial: In-person and online high school mock trial competitions involving teams from across the United States and other countries
Furman Top Mock: A selective, weeklong residential program offering advanced mock trial instruction from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina
UCLA Mock Trial Institute: One-week in-person and online programs for high school students interested in trial advocacy and competitive mock trial