Applications Open! Enroll for Summer 2027 at 2026 Tuition Pricing Until Sept 30
Build and argue a courtroom case in this 3-week mock trial program for middle school students at UCLA.
Course Description
What makes a courtroom argument persuasive, and what happens when the other side challenges it? Students examine the roles of attorneys, defendants, witnesses, judges, and jurors before learning the structure and rules that shape a trial. Each topic is connected to a practical question about how a case is prepared and presented.
Students work with objections, motions, jury selection, witness testimony, direct and cross-examination, evidence quality, rulings, appeals, jurisdictions, and court levels. Short lessons establish shared legal vocabulary, then application activities and case-study debates ask students to use those concepts in realistic hypothetical situations. Daily notes and discussion encourage them to support claims with clear reasoning.
As the course progresses, students practice opening and closing arguments, questioning strategies, and responses to opposing positions. They take on different courtroom perspectives, receive feedback on their reasoning and presentation, and refine how they speak under pressure. The focus is not only on winning an argument, but on understanding procedure and using evidence responsibly.
This three-week middle school program takes place at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. The program is developed by UCLA and offered in partnership with Summer Discovery. It is available to residential and commuter students. Beyond class, students connect active academic exploration with campus life, growing independence, new friendships, and a clearer sense of what they may want to explore next.
Instructor Bio
What Will You Do?
• Compare the responsibilities of attorneys, witnesses, judges, jurors, and defendants
• Practice objections, motions, and courtroom procedure
• Evaluate evidence quality and competing interpretations of a case
• Develop questions for direct and cross-examination
• Apply jury-selection, jurisdiction, ruling, and appeal concepts
• Present and defend arguments in hypothetical case-study debates
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Explain how courtroom roles and trial procedures shape a case
• Evaluate evidence and develop questions for witnesses
• Present a persuasive legal argument and respond to an opposing position
Students will leave with written case notes and experience arguing hypothetical cases, plus a clearer sense of whether law, debate, or public speaking is an interest they want to explore further.
Why Mock Trial Skills Matter
Mock trial teaches students to build an argument within rules. They must decide which evidence matters, anticipate how another person will interpret it, and ask questions that reveal useful information. Objections and procedure add constraints that reward preparation rather than improvisation alone.
Taking different courtroom roles also strengthens perspective. A witness, attorney, judge, and juror may focus on different parts of the same case. Students learn to listen carefully, adjust a response, and explain why a conclusion follows from the evidence. Those habits support reasoning, public speaking, structured writing, and respectful disagreement.
Who Should Attend?
This course is for middle school students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and are curious about law, courtroom strategy, debate, evidence, or persuasive speaking. It is a good fit for students who enjoy discussing difficult questions, analyzing different sides of a case, or taking on roles in a structured simulation.
Students do not need to be naturally outspoken or have previous debate experience. They should be ready to prepare notes, collaborate with classmates, speak in front of the group, listen to opposing arguments, and revise a position when the evidence changes. A completed program application is required.
Why UCLA?
UCLA gives middle-school students an energetic place to learn, have fun, and experience campus life in Los Angeles. The setting brings together science, technology, creativity, entertainment, and culture, helping new subjects feel connected to a wider world of ideas.
The program combines hands-on academics with friendships, campus activities, clear routines, and support as students become comfortable in a large university environment. Students can try new challenges, share interests with peers, and build confidence through participation without needing to decide where those interests will lead. For families, UCLA offers a structured middle-school experience that balances substantive learning with fun, community, and age-appropriate independence. Students leave with new memories and a clearer sense of what they may want to explore next.
Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion
After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification of completion for your accomplishment.
*This is a preview, not what you will receive