BSM Athletics & Activities

General Information

Mock Trial is a simulated court trial experience.  The case facts and law are provided by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) each year.  Students compete against other schools. The MSBA creates a civil or criminal case each year with fictious facts and real law.  Students learn how to incorporate the relevant law into their case.  There are legal professionals who act as the judges at these competitions.

The BSM Mock Trial Program helps students develop a practical understanding of the American Legal System.  Students improve important life-long skills such as critical thinking, active listening, public speaking, and developing persuasive arguments.  The program encourages cooperation amongst the team members and cordiality against opposing teams.  These students learn to think on their feet! 

BSM’s Mock Trial Team is available to all students grades 7-12. 

BSM has Varsity and JV teams.  If there are enough students, it is possible to have additional teams.  Each team consists of 3 attorneys, 3 witnesses, a timekeeper, and a bailiff.  After tryouts, the students are assigned to a team and a role.  Some students take on more than one role and alternates are often needed. 

Adviser: Mary Murray

Coaches: Bob Huber, Kris Huether, Michael Krukow 

Additional Information: The Mock Trial season begins in October/November when the MSBA releases the case facts and law.  Students start reviewing, strategizing, and planning their positions.  Competitions begin in December.  By January the five “rounds” to compete in the state competition begin.  These are weekly trials that are either in person or virtual through Zoom.  Depending on how well the students perform, they will be invited to participate in the State Mock Trial Competition.  The State Competition occurs in late February or early March.

Parents can come watch and (silently) cheer on their students!  The in-person competitions often take place in a real courtroom and respect for the court system is observed. 

We also try to schedule a fun field trip with the team to a local venue that is legal in nature.  Past trips have included visits to state and federal courthouses, meetings with judges and courtroom personnel, watching oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court, visiting the Hennepin County Crime Lab, and much more!

Time Commitment: After the MSBA releases the case, practices are 2-3 times per week throughout the season.  There are some evening competitions in December and January.  Once the “rounds” start, those are one evening a week with practices in between.