NYSBA/ACBA HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIALS

Guidelines for Judges

! KNOW THE MATERIALS !!!!
(The students will, and will be able to tell if you don’t. You cannot pick up the materials an hour before the trial. The rules of evidence, and for the competition, are different. The facts are complicated. There is no way you will be able to bluff your way through this).

! KNOW THE TIME LIMITS, AND ENFORCE THEM
(Within reason).

! ACT JUDICIAL
(Don’t tell anyone about how you’re not a judge, don’t handle these types of cases, have never before judged a mock trial case, or make any other confessions - This you may be able to bluff).

! KEEP CLOSING COMMENTS SUCCINCT
(Recent feedback from the teacher-coaches is that the students appreciate the judges’ comments, but some judges have gone on for 20-30 minutes. That is too long. Use your judgment).

! DO NOT SHOW SCORE SHEETS TO STUDENTS
(After verifying the math with the ACBA office, you may tell the teams their totals, but not the individual scores. The teacher-coaches would prefer to do this themselves).

! KEEP ANY RECESSES BRIEF
(The students do not want/need more than 5 minutes to prepare their summons).

! BE ON TIME !!!!
(All trials start at 5:15 p.m. sharp; please report to ACBA headquarters by 5:00 p.m.).
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2006 Statewide High School Mock Trial Tournament
JUDGE’S CHECKLIST

Before the Trial
_____ Read and familiarize yourself with the materials, including rules of evidence, fact pattern, and affidavits.

_____ Arrive at the site 15 minutes prior to the trial.

_____ Inform everyone at the trial that there is to be no communication between students conducting the trial and anyone present at the site from the time the trial begins, through recesses and until the conclusion of closing statements.

_____ Inform everyone at the trial that only students involved in the trial may speak to the bench.

_____ Inform everyone that at your discretion, time frames will be adhered to.

During the Trial

_____ Move the trial along.

_____ Keep bench conferences to a minimum.

_____ Be sure to allow the option for a maximum of three re-direct and three re-cross examination questions.

_____ Be sure to keep accurate scores on the score sheet provided in the packet.

_____ Make sure each attorney has conducted both a direct and cross-examination, with two separate attorneys giving a team opening and closing statement.

After the Trial

_____ Add scores accurately.

_____ Announce your decision on the merits of the case presented and team scores for the performance of the case (check with County Coordinator to see if announcing team scores is applicable in your county). No individual scores should be announced.

_____ Provide post-trial comments making them as helpful and positive as possible directing them to the full team and not any one individual.

_____ Allow for questions from students.