Volunteers Sought For Contra Costa County Mock Trial Program

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Program is seeking legal professionals with the time to help their future colleagues by volunteering later this month and in February.

Nearly 100 attorneys, judges and third-year law students volunteered during last year's program, which is coordinated by the county's Office of Education to help students acquire knowledge of the judicial system and develop analytical and communication skills.

This year's case is about a young adult charged with two felony counts -- making a false report of an emergency, known commonly as "swatting," and making a criminal threat, county education officials said.

Students work with teachers and volunteer coaches to prepare their version of the case, assuming the roles of attorneys, witnesses, clerks, bailiffs, artists and court journalists.

A practicing or retired judge or commissioner will preside over each trial, which all take place in county courtrooms in Martinez, while attorneys and the third-year law students can participate as scorers of the trials.

There will be 17 teams participating in this year's program from around the county, with the champion advancing to the state finals.

People interested in volunteering can visit Cccoe.k12.ca.us/programs or contact Jonathan Lance at jlance@cccoe.k12.ca.us or 925-942-3429.

The dates of the program are Jan. 29 and 31 and Feb. 5 and 7 from 5-8:30 p.m. for preliminary rounds, then quarterfinals on Feb. 12, semifinals on Feb. 14 and the final on Feb. 19, all from 5-8 p.m.

By Bay City News Service

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