Session-by-Session Curriculum
Eight sessions that build progressively from case analysis through live competition. Each week layers new skills on the last — by the end, students are running a full trial.
Kick-Off
Program goals, expectations, and case file distribution. Students form teams, receive their roles, and get oriented to the case materials.
Case Analysis
How to dissect a case file and organize its parts. Students learn to identify key facts, legal elements, and build a theory of the case from raw materials.
Opening Statements
Structure, purpose, and what makes an opening persuasive. Students draft and deliver their first opening statements with peer and coach feedback.
Direct Examination
Drawing out testimony through strategic questioning. Students learn to prepare witnesses and develop testimony that supports their theory of the case.
Cross-Examination
Challenging witnesses and controlling the narrative. Students practice the art of leading questions, impeachment, and thinking on their feet.
Closing Arguments
Weaving facts and testimony into a compelling final pitch. Students learn to tie evidence to legal standards and leave a lasting impression.
Evidence & Objections
Rules of evidence appropriately scaled for high school competition. Foundational objections, exhibit handling, and courtroom procedure.
Competition
Blues vs. Bay Area schools. Students put everything together in a live competitive round with real judges, real scoring, and real stakes.
Competition Track
Fall: Case prep through sessions 1–7. Skills building, full trial run-throughs, and potential friendly scrimmages with other SF schools as we prepare for competition.
Winter: Continued practice, scrimmages, and SF County Mock Trial competition (January–February). This is the main event — the Blues compete against schools across San Francisco.
Spring (TBD): Second case and competition opportunity to be determined based on team interest and available tournaments.