Be part of the only province-wide Mock Trials;
Be part of the Ontario Bar Association's
Secondary School Mock Trial Tournament!

The Secondary School Mock Trial Tournament are brought to you by the Ontario Bar Association, in conjunction with the Law Day Committee. Here’s an opportunity for all Ontario secondary students to flex their legal minds!

Students are given a scenario that outlines an alleged criminal offence and they will act out the roles of crown attorneys, defense lawyers, witnesses and the accused. This exercise demonstrates how Canadian law not only guarantees rights but also imposes responsibilities on society members.

Participants will learn about the criminal code, the rules of evidence and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The tournament will also allow students to develop public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn how to effectively organize and deliver oral and written presentations.

The Ontario Bar Association arranges for local lawyers to volunteer as advisors and judges in round one and two of the tournament process. Students are judged on their abilities to follow the rules and protocol of the court as well as present their case.

The quarter-final round will take place, during Law Week, on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The semifinal round is held at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, on the morning of Thursday, April 19, 2012. In the afternoon, the two winning teams go head to head for the championship. Dressed in the traditional gowns of the profession, the students present their respective cases before a panel of judges from the Ontario Court Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Trophies and prizes are awarded to winners and runners up as well as to their respective schools at the Law Day Closing & Awards.

OBA SECONDARY SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL CASE - 2012

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN v. JUSTINE(E) PIEBER

Please note:

1) The fact scenario was updated and reposted on December 8, 2011. If you previously downloaded the scenario, please use the new version located at the link above. If you already registered for the Secondary School Mock Trial Tournament, you will receive an e-mail shortly to advise of this update. Apologies for any inconvenience. Thank you for your continued support.

2) The 2012 OBA Secondary School Mock Trial case follows a slightly new format from that of previous years, but remains interesting and challenging with similarities to our roster of past cases.  The facts are reflective of the realities that face real trials, including, perhaps some inconsistencies.

While it may seem the case weights in favour of one side – our writers would very much disagree.  Last year’s problem was created by a primarily defence lawyer with prosecution experience and this year’s problem was created by a Crown Attorney. Both individuals reviewed and approved the case. 

The main objective of the OBA’s Secondary School Mock Trial Tournament is the educational experience; Understanding and experiencing the issues that face lawyers in trial, presenting a snapshot of the situation while becoming well acquainted with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms remains foremost. Similar to “real” trials, each team will bring a different interpretation to the facts.

REGISTRATION
Registration deadline is February 4, 2012.
To register, please e-mail Filippo Conte at fconte@oba.org.

Please note: This is a free program/tournament; there is no registration fee.

DEADLINES (all dates are in the year 2012)
Round 1 (in-class, in-school round) completed by Friday, February 4th
Registration to take part in round 2 by Friday, February 4th
Round 2 (regional rounds) completed by Friday, March 30th
Round 3 (quarterfinals) Wednesday, April 18th
Round 4 (semi/finals) Thursday, April 19th