Starting with the 2021-2022 Mock Trial Tournament, RILEF has moved to a new system — the RILEF Trial Center — for managing cases and trials.
Trial Center
Any team wishing to compete in the the 2021-2022 Tournament or later must complete a one-time registration for the Trial Center. To begin, please contact [email protected] for instructions.
RILEF hosts Rhode Island’s annual Mock Trial Tournament, in which teams of middle- and high-school students from around the State compete for the championship title.
All participants are provided with a case packet the contains stipulations, exhibits, witness statements, complaints, and other types of documents related to the current-year’s case. Teams then go head-to-head in three qualifying trials at courthouses around Rhode Island before actual magistrates and judges, arguing their side of the case.
Sixteen qualifying teams will have the chance to compete for the championship during the single-elimination playoffs rounds. Only one team can win.
Dear Mock Trial Participants:
Welcome to the annual Rhode Island Mock Trial Tournament!
Our best wishes go out to the teams, new and old, participating this year. Those who are returning to the tournament have learned firsthand why mock trial programs are thriving around the country and around the world. We now know that mock trial is one of the premier experiences being lauded by college admissions programs. Students learn critical thinking and how to analyze problems while improving their public speaking. They also develop confidence and learn to work collaboratively while gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of civics and our American legal system.
Students from most states and territories in the United States and from many foreign countries spend part of each school year planning mock trial strategy, memorizing witness statements, and preparing to defend or prosecute cases. While role-playing the parts of witnesses and attorneys, they are acquiring or polishing important life skills, but most importantly, they are having fun.
To make this unique educational opportunity possible, each year hundreds of Rhode Islanders donate an impressive amount of time and talent. We salute our past, present, and future volunteers. Their willingness to participate is vital to the success and survival of this program. We hope that everyone will have an exciting, rewarding, and memorable experience in the tournament!
Executive Director
Rhode Island Legal Education Foundation
To view all past and present cases, launch the Case Database using the button below.