Magnolia Bar Associationpresents

2026

High School Mock Trial Competition

Mississippi's high school advocates take the courtroom.

Fri–Sat, Dec. 4–5, 2026Check-in opens 8:15 AM Friday

Hinds County Courthouse407 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson

$50 per teamSchools may enter multiple teams

Register a Team Volunteer as a Judge + Add to calendar

--Days

--Hours

--Minutes

Until opening statements

When

Friday and Saturday, December 4–5, 2026. Check-in opens at 8:15 AM Friday.

Where

Hinds County Courthouse
407 E. Pascagoula St.
Jackson, MS 39201

Registration

$50 per team. Schools may register more than one team.

Scholarships

$2,200 in total for the top three senior attorneys.

About the Competition

A real courtroom. Real judges. Your case.

The Magnolia Bar Association invites Mississippi high school teams to compete in our annual Mock Trial Competition. Students argue a case in a real courtroom, in front of practicing attorneys and judges.

Each team argues both prosecution and defense on Friday. The top teams advance to the final round on Saturday morning, and senior attorneys compete for scholarships.

Competition Rules (PDF)

School-sponsored teams of up to 7
2 attorneys, 3 witnesses, 2 alternates
1 hour per side to present the case
Lunch and breakfast provided

Schedule

Two days in court

Friday, December 4

Preliminary Rounds

8:15 AMCheck-in opens
9:00 AMRound 1 begins. Please be on time.
MiddayLunch for students, teacher coaches and attorney coaches
1:00 PMRound 2 begins

Every team argues once as prosecution and once as defense.

Saturday, December 5

Final Round

MorningBreakfast for finalists, their coaches and attorney sponsors
9:00 AMFinal round begins
AfterAwards and scholarship announcements

All teams are welcome to come back and watch the final round.

Scholarships

Senior Attorney Scholarships

The top three high school seniors competing as attorneys receive scholarships.

$1,000

1st Place

$700

2nd Place

$500

3rd Place

To be considered, a senior must compete in an attorney role, and the team sponsor must submit the student's name for scholarship consideration.

Teams

Register a Team

Teams must be school-sponsored. Each team has up to seven members: two attorneys, three witnesses and two alternates. The fee is $50 per team, paid when you submit.

$50 per team Up to 7 members One form per team

Competition Rules (PDF) Questions? Email the Chair

School/Org *

Principal *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Teacher Sponsor

Fax

Email *

Attorney Coach(es) *

Phone *

Fax

Email *

Team Members (With Grade Level) *

Please list: Team Members, Grade Level (Your school may register more than 1 team) (Two (2) Attorneys + Three (3) Witnesses + Two (2) Alternate) = Seven (7) Team Members (allowed per team))

Team Registration

Price: $50.00

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all team members have to attend the same school?

Yes. Every team must be sponsored by a school.

Can we use an alternate if a team member can't compete in both Friday rounds?

Yes, in exigent circumstances. A team may only substitute its own registered alternates. Schools with more than one team can't move students between teams.

What are the requirements for attorneys?

Each attorney must conduct at least one (1) direct examination and at least one (1) cross-examination. No single attorney may conduct all directs or all crosses in a round. One attorney gives the opening statement and the other gives the closing.

How much time does each team get?

One (1) hour to present its case. The clock stops for objections and responses. Each team may bring one timekeeper. Teams without a timekeeper are timed by the judges.

What happens if we go over time?

Time violations carry a point penalty.

Who is eligible for scholarships?

High school seniors who compete in an attorney role. Make sure your team sponsor submits your name for scholarship consideration.

Can we use cell phones during the competition?

No. Phones must be silenced and put away, including for reading notes.

Can we talk to anyone during a round?

You may talk with your own team, and with the opposing team when appropriate. You may not talk to your coaches during a round.

If we don't make the final round, can we come back Saturday to watch?

Absolutely. All teams are welcome at the final round on Saturday, December 5. Please arrive on time and keep noise to a minimum.

Are there rules for parents and other spectators?

Yes. Spectator behavior can cost a team points. Spectators should not engage with other teams, should show good sportsmanship, and should avoid distractions in the courtroom.

Will food be provided?

Yes. Snacks and coffee are available throughout. Friday lunch is provided for students, teacher coaches and attorney coaches. Saturday breakfast is provided for finalists, their coaches and attorney sponsors.

Location

See you in Jackson

Hinds County Courthouse

407 E. Pascagoula St.
Jackson, MS 39201

Dates: Fri–Sat, December 4–5, 2026
Check-in: 8:15 AM Friday
Fee: $50 per team

Get Directions

Contact

Questions?

Contact Mock Trial Committee Chair Kimberly Hampton. We look forward to seeing your team in Jackson on December 4.

Email the Chair Register a Team