2026 High School Mock Trial | Timeline & Deadlines

Case Brief Released (Available at teachdemocracy.org)	September 5, 2025
Case Packet Released at 3PM (password will be emailed to advisors)	September 11, 2025
Submit Case Questions to be Considered for Errata \| Email to jgorin@vcoe.org	December 12, 2025
Ventura County Team Registration Deadline	December 12, 2025
Team Roster Submission Deadline - email to nzizumbo@vcoe.org	December 12, 2025
Permission Form Deadline - email to nzizumbo@vcoe.org	December 12, 2025
Case Errata Released (available at teachdemocracy.org)	January 6, 2026
Teach Democracy School Registration Deadline	January 30, 2026
High School Mock Trial \| Rounds 1- 4 at the VC Government Center	February 21 & February 22, 2026
High School Artist Submissions Due \| Submit at Check-In Table	February 22, 2026 \| Round 4
High School Journalist Submissions Due \| Email to jgorin@vcoe.org	February 23, 2026 \| 12PM
High School MVP Award Nominees & Event Photos \| Submit via Google Form	February 23, 2026 \| 4PM
High School Mock Trial Final Rounds at the VC Government Center	February 28 & March 1, 2026
High School Mock Trial Awards at VCOE \| 5100 Adolfo Rd. Camarillo	March 3, 2025 at 5pm

*There is a fee of $600 per team - Invoices will be sent to each district's accounts payable department.
Please note that no changes or refunds can be made after January 21, as this causes delays to the process for all participants.

Welcome to Mock Trial!

The Mock Trial competition simulates a trial-level proceeding in which Ventura County students in grades 6-12 play the roles of pretrial counsel, prosecuting and defense attorneys, witnesses, court clerks, and bailiffs before a single presiding judge and two to three scoring judges who score individuals based on their legal arguments and presentations. Mock Trial offers Ventura County students a unique opportunity to learn about the judicial system, work in teams, and develop valuable critical thinking and public speaking skills.