Course Description

The course will cover the basics of the judicial branch of the US government, the circumstances and processes which necessitate trials, and how to engage in mock trials (simulated court settings). The experience will be a mixture of traditional classroom activities, lectures, quizzes, independent work and simulated courtroom procedures.  Mock trials are an exercise in courtroom decorum and procedure but at its core a team public speaking activity so there will also be team work, public speaking activities, and collaborative writing. The course will cover legal principles and theory throughout the four weeks with activities and projects to help prepare the students for the final project: performing a full mock trial. Students will be a part of every aspect of the trial so come prepared to act as advocate, witness, and jury! Guest speakers from the Seattle legal community will also participate to give students a well-rounded understanding of the practice of law.

Essential Questions

  • How does the U.S. legal system ensure fairness and due process for all participants?
  • What are the responsibilities and ethical considerations of each courtroom role (judge, attorney, witness, jury)?
  • How do persuasion, evidence, and argument shape the outcome of a trial?
  • Why is it important to understand both sides of an argument in a legal case?
  • What skills do effective lawyers and witnesses use to communicate their case clearly and convincingly?
  • In what ways does participating in a mock trial develop skills useful beyond the courtroom?
  • How does bias—conscious or unconscious—affect how we perceive justice and fairness?

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course requires some homework to be completed outside of the program day.
  • ⁠This course includes field trips on the UW Campus, and we will walk.

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grade

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 Students will be introduced to the American Judicial System 101! This week students will have the opportunity to learn about the basis of the judicial branch and the basic functions of courtroom settings.
Week 2 Using the information learned in the week prior, students will apply their knowledge of the judicial system to a mock court case. The mock court case consists of jury instructions, rules of evidence, witness affidavits, and exhibits that students will review and use in a mock trial.
Week 3                                Having gone over the mock case, students will write up case materials to use in a mock trial. Students will split into teams in order to simulate trial settings as they learn about courtroom procedures and decorum.
Week 4 Finals week! A final mock trial will be held in the UW Law building to give students the opportunity to showcase the materials they have prepared in front of their peers and parents. Two full trials will be held to give all students a chance to showcase what they have worked on over the course of the program.

Instructors

  • Teryl McClain
  • Samantha Hasegawa

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • June 30th- July 23rd, 2026
  • Monday - Thursday
    • First class is on a Tuesday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th