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Prepare and argue a case from both sides in this 3-week mock trial course for middle school students on UCLA’s campus.
Course Description
A courtroom argument depends on more than confidence. Students need evidence, a clear theory of the case, carefully planned questions, and the ability to respond when testimony changes the direction of a trial. In Hit the Gavel, students explore how attorneys, witnesses, defendants, judges, and jurors contribute to the legal process.
Students examine ethical questions in historical case studies, practice legal research, and build skills in opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, objections, and closing arguments. They take on roles for both the prosecution and defense, learning how the same evidence can lead to competing interpretations.
The course culminates in a mock trial based on the fictional events in Holes. Teams investigate whether Camp Green Lake violated child labor protections, prepare witnesses and arguments, and present both sides of the case. A judge and jury then weigh the evidence and reach a decision.
This three-week course is part of Summer Discovery’s Institute for the Gifted program on UCLA’s campus. Beyond class, students connect active academic exploration with campus life, growing independence, new friendships, and a clearer sense of what students may want to explore next.
What Will You Do?
- Examine how attorneys, witnesses, judges, and jurors contribute to a trial
- Analyze evidence and ethical questions in fictional and historical cases
- Develop opening statements and closing arguments
- Practice direct examination, cross-examination, and objections
- Take on roles for both the prosecution and defense
- Prepare and present a complete mock trial
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Build a legal argument using facts, research, and clear reasoning
- Question a witness and respond to competing interpretations of evidence
- Speak persuasively while listening and adapting during a live trial
- Collaborate in courtroom roles and evaluate a case from more than one perspective
Students leave with experience preparing and presenting a full mock trial.
Why Mock Trial Skills Matter
Mock trial makes communication and critical thinking visible. Students cannot rely on a strong opinion alone; they must connect each claim to evidence, anticipate questions, and explain why one interpretation is more convincing than another.
Courtroom roles also build careful listening and teamwork. Attorneys adjust to testimony, witnesses communicate accurately, and judges and jurors weigh competing arguments. These habits support class discussions, presentations, leadership, and any situation that requires a clear, evidence-based response.
Who Should Attend?
This course is for middle school students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and enjoy debate, public speaking, research, courtroom stories, or questions about fairness and justice. It is a strong fit for students who want to practice thinking on their feet while contributing to a team.
Students should be ready to read case materials, take on courtroom roles, question witnesses, listen respectfully, and revise an argument as new evidence appears.
Students must bring a laptop or compatible tablet, a charger, and compatible headphones. Institute for the Gifted eligibility requirements apply, and families must submit a completed program application.
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.
Mock Trial in Action
Attorneys build cases by organizing evidence, questioning witnesses, and explaining how the law applies to the facts. Judges manage courtroom procedure, while jurors compare competing arguments before reaching a decision.
Students practice that process in a complete mock trial. By preparing both prosecution and defense roles, they see how legal strategy changes with the evidence and learn why persuasive advocacy depends on preparation, accuracy, and clear reasoning.
After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.
*This is a preview, not what you will receive