Clubs and Activities

Q:  How does Mock Trial work?

A:  Mock Trial is a competitive program that blends elements of law, debate, and theater.  A Mock Trial team is comprised of a prosecution team, a defense team, and court staff roles.  Each separate team consists of one pre-trial attorney, three trial attorneys, and four witnesses, along with court staffers.  Team selection is competitive, particularly for attorney roles.  Most attorney roles for 2024-25 have been filled, but auditions for witness and court staff roles will be conducted in September 2024 after the publication of the new case.  Casting is selective and not all students may receive speaking roles, but we plan to ensure that everyone who joins the team will be involved in meaningful ways.

Q:  Why should I try Mock Trial?

A:  Mock Trial is a unique opportunity to learn about our legal system and improve your public speaking skills.  Teams conduct legal research and receive individual coaching in trial preparation, courtroom protocol, courtroom procedure, analysis, and communication.  The season features a number of scrimmage tournaments, which run through January, in which real attorneys preside and offer advice to the teams.  The local Mock Trial season culminates with the County tournament, typically held in February, where the presiders are actual judges.

When you join Mock Trial, you'll strengthen your critical thinking and communications skills, learn about topical issues, and become part of a winning team!  

Q:  What is the time commitment? 

A:  Willow Glen’s Mock Trial program is competitive, rigorous, and time-intensive.  Mock Trial meetings have typically been held from 6:00-7:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Occasional Sunday practices are also scheduled.   A number of Saturday scrimmages are scheduled October through January.   The team also participates in weekend Invitational tournaments in November, December, and January, in preparation for the county tournament in February.   In addition to attending these meetings, scrimmages, and tournament rounds, students are expected to practice on their own time individually and with their teammates.       

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  The student cost is approximately $300.  This amount pays for team sweatshirts, and food and lodging at the Carmel Invitational over MLK weekend in January.  We have been fortunate to keep program costs low because of the generosity of the Willow Glen Education Foundation and the Santa Clara County Mock Trial program sponsors (i.e., the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and the Santa Clara County Superior Court). 

Q:  How has the team performed in past seasons?

A:  Last year, Willow Glen reached the semifinals of the County tournament, and is a perennially strong team in the County and the Bay Area. 

Q:  How do I join?

A:  First, contact Peter Jensen to ask to be placed on the email list for the team.  He will share specifics of the schedule and the opportunities to audition for a starting role. 

Q:  Who should I contact for additional information?

A:  For further information, please contact Peter Jensen at pjensenj3@gmail.com.