Buchanan High School

Buchanan Mock Trial 2025-26

What is Mock Trial?

          Mock Trial is a simulation of an original criminal court case with high school students playing the courtroom roles.  Teams of high school students will present the case in the courtrooms of the Fresno County Courthouse before presiding judges and attorneys who evaluate each team’s performance.  Each team is guaranteed four rounds, two as the prosecution and two as the defense.  The top four teams advance to the semi-finals. 

What would I be doing?

          As a member of the Mock Trial team you would research the case presented as an attorney, a witness, the time clerk, bailiff, courtroom artist or courtroom journalist.   Each role is vital to the team and requires dedication.  Mock Trial is a great way to improve your public speaking skills and analytical thinking.

When are the practices?

          Practices start mid-September and will be held 5:30-7:00 pm Mondays and Wednesdays or Mondays and Thursdays.  Scrimmages (practice rounds) usually start in late November or early December and will be in the evenings and on weekends.  Once the team is established it is imperative that you are able to attend all practices and scrimmages as you are irreplaceable. 

When are competitions?  

• Mock Trial Competition Round 1: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
• Mock Trial Competition Round 2: Thursday, January 22, 2026
• Mock Trial Competition Round 3: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
• Mock Trial Competition Round 4: Thursday, January 29, 20256
• Mock Trial Competition Semi-Final Round: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Rounds 1-4 & Semi Finals will be held at the Superior Court of Fresno County

• Mock Trial Competition Final Round: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse

Awards Reception: Monday, February 23, 2026, Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Google Classroom: f3vz3mnn

Contact information: RyanPugsley@cusd.com and ErinEspinoza@cusd.com