Riverside, CA - Future legal minds are putting their courtroom skills to the test as the 43rd Annual Riverside County Mock Trial Competition moves into its final stages. After four rounds of intense competition, legal teams from eight high schools have advanced to the prestigious "Elite Eight" round, including Santiago High School. The next phase of the competition will take place on Tuesday, February 11, at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Hall of Justice (4100 Main Street, Riverside).
The annual Mock Trial program provides participants with a unique opportunity to argue cases in front of real judges while being scored by practicing attorneys. Each school’s team, consisting of 8-25 students, takes on key courtroom roles such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs.
Students from multiple CNUSD high schools have participated in this year’s competition, with several earning individual awards for their outstanding performances, including Diego Coronado from Centennial High School.
"As a former library clerk, I remember Diego coming to me in junior high, always eager to check out books about law and the Constitution," said Stacy Lowe, CNUSD Public Relations Specialist. “Even back then, his passion for law and justice was clear. Seeing him now, excelling in Mock Trial and earning a blue ribbon for his performance, makes me incredibly proud. It’s inspiring to watch students pursue their dreams and turn their early interests into real achievements."
This year’s case, People v. Gold, follows the legal battle of Taylor Alexander, who accuses Logan Gold of kidnapping. The prosecution leans on ligature marks, a positive drug test, tire mark evidence, and statements from Gold to prove guilt, while the defense counters by invoking Gold’s Fifth Amendment rights, arguing that statements were obtained involuntarily.
The semi-final round will be held on Thursday, February 13th, with the final championship match set for Tuesday, February 18, at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Historic Courthouse (4050 Main Street, Riverside). The winning team will advance to the California Mock Trial Competition, scheduled for March 14th-16th in Los Angeles. From there, the state champion will represent California at the National Mock Trial Competition in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 7th-10th.
Now in its 43rd year, Mock Trial has seen more than 14,000 students participate, many of whom have gone on to careers in the legal field. The event is proudly sponsored by the Riverside County Superior Courts, the Riverside County Bar Association, and the Riverside County Office of Education.
For those interested in witnessing the courtroom drama unfold, the Elite Eight, semi-final, and championship rounds are open to the public. Be sure to cheer on Santiago High School on February 11th!