2026 Regional HS Mock Trial Tournament

We need your help... please volunteer today!
2026 Regional High School Mock Trial Tournament
February 20 & 21
Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial

Case problem (updated 1.10.2025) and rules are below.

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
volunteer needs updated 1.12.2026

Friday, February 20

• 1st Round - need 15 scoring panelists
  (12 pm – Volunteer check-in, orientation and courtroom assignments (lunch provided). Round starts @ 1pm.)
  
  
• 2nd Round - need 18 scoring panelists & 1 presiding judge
  (3:15 pm – Volunteer check-in, orientation and courtroom assignments. Round starts @ 4pm.)

Saturday, February 21

• 3rd Round - need 19 scoring panelists & 6 presiding judges
  (8 am – Volunteer check-in, orientation and courtroom assignments (bagels & coffee). Round starts @ 9am.)
  
  
• 4th Round - need 20 scoring panelists & 7 presiding judges
  (11:45 am - Volunteer check-in, orientation and courtroom assignments (lunch provided). Round starts @12:30pm)

VOLUNTEER ROLES 

NOTES

• An orientation will be given to all volunteers before each round. Volunteers must attend one orientation. 

• List possible conflicts (high schools in Arapahoe County) within the registration form. Knowing a Team Coach is not a conflict, but knowing a student is.  

• No experience with prior Mock Trials is necessary. 

• Time commitment per round is about 3 hours, add one hour for the orientation.

• Please review the rules before your orientation.
  
  

• Presiding Judge: (3 to 4 hour time commitment per round) 

  This volunteer role is a current or retired Colorado Judge or an expert mock trial volunteer. During the competition the presiding judge acts as the voice of the panel, controls the conduct of the courtroom and trial participants, and supervises the time constraints imposed by the rules of competition. The presiding judge rules on motions and objections based on the rules of evidence. The presiding judge does not announce a verdict on the legal merits of the case, but in all other respects conducts the trial as if it were a real trial.
   
  
• Scoring Panelist: (3 to 4 hour time commitment per round) Three attorneys, paralegals or community members comprise the scoring panel. The score is based on presentation and NOT on the legal merits of the team’s case. However, substance of the presentation is important. “A performance rating” score sheet is completed.
  
  
• Courtroom Monitor: This role is to make sure there is no communication between participating students and those outside of the bar.  They also make sure there is no food or drink in the courtroom.  Overall, makes sure that everything is running smoothly during the trial.  If not, they report to the Mock Trial Sub-Committee.  This individual normally is a member of the public, employed at the courthouse, or any other volunteer that doesn’t wish to score or judge a round. This is a very important role for a smooth tournament overall.  A volunteer packet will be mailed prior to the event.

Click below for:

• Colorado Case Problem    - updated 1.10.2026
• Case Questions and Answers
• Official Colorado Rules of Tournament and Evidence

The ACBA appreciates the time our volunteers donate every year to make this program possible. Thank you.