The Santa Cruz Superior Court is proud to host our local high schools Mock Trial competition. The Mock Trial Competition provides high school students with a firsthand experience of the justice system. Through the examination of a hypothetical case, legal research, and trial role-play, students not only develop critical thinking skills but also gain a comprehensive understanding of our judicial process.
 

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association, and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, is designed to emphasize the importance of analytical and critical thinking skills in students' educational development. The first annual Paul Marigonda mock trial award went to the Pajaro Valley High School team, for their enthusiasm, effort, and performance.