LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education and two local high schools, Middletown High School and Upper Lake High School, are quickly approaching their inaugural Mock Trial Competition.

In 1980, Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the Mock Trial Program to all the counties in California.

The program was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

The program currently involves 36 California counties.

Schools are partnered with teacher coaches and local attorneys to coach them through the materials and the rules in a court room.  

Students compete during local, county competitions and the winning team then travels to compete at the state level Mock Trial competition.

Thanks to local donations, including a donation from the District Attorney’s Alternative to Community Service program, the winning Lake County high school team, will be able to travel to the state competition which is held in Riverside this year.  

“This is a great program that introduces students to the legal system. We are glad to be able to support our local youth,” said Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson.

Lake County Office of Education officials said they are very grateful to all of the local attorneys and deputy district attorneys who have partnered with local teams to support our youth.   

Donations are still being sought to help support the winning team’s expenses. For more information or to send a donation to support the state level competition, please contact Lake County Office of Education, Attn: Mock Trial program, 1152 S. Main St., Lakeport CA 95453, or contact Stephanie Wayment at 707-262-4163, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .