Trial Court
Each year students evaluate and debate high profile cases from across the nation. Double murders, wrongful death, top civil cases and so much more! This section allows you to team up with a group of friends who like to be dramatic and argue your case, both prosecution and defense! Students can also participate as Judges preside over the courtroom and make the ultimate decision on who has wins the case!
Teams combine drama addicts and straight debaters to make your team the one to beat! Two to three attorneys lead the team through the trial, while the witness and bailiffs help carry the case…guilty or not guilty!
Trial Court Resources
Case Material
This years, The Case of the Confused Cop, was selected at the 2023 State Conference by the trial court delegates. Click the bottoms below to read more.
Delegates are permitted to submit any questions regarding the case, trial rules and procedures and simplified rules of evidence. Such questions should be submitted below by October 13, 2023.
An official response by the Judicial Section leaders will be posted to on that same page no later than October 27, 2023. The written response will serve as a “clarification” to submitted questions and will become part of the case materials.
Updated 11/1/2023
Rules of Evidence & Rules of Procedure
The YMCA Texas Youth and Government Mock Trial Competition is governed by the rules set forth below. These rules are designed to ensure excellence in presentation and fairness in scoring all trials and tournaments. These rules are supplemented by any specific stipulations and comments provided in the current case. These rules are also supplemented by the Rules of Evidence, Rules of Procedure any other documents issued by the Texas Judicial Section Leader.
Below you will find helpful videos of some important trial court courtroom procedures.