The 2019 OBA-OJEN Competitive Mock Trials wrapped up this month after a busy and successful season. 169 schools from every region in Ontario competed in local tournaments. Approximately 1600 students had the opportunity to step into the roles of lawyers, witnesses or court clerks, and get a taste of what courtroom procedure is really like. Each school had an opportunity to argue both the Crown and defense position in a trial about failing to provide the necessaries of life.
New this year, a stand-alone mock trial tournament in French took place in the Ottawa Courthouse. Six schools from the Ottawa area took part, doubling participation from French schools from last year.
In Hamilton, teams competed for the newly named Milanetti Cup, which was created to recognize the significant contributions of Justice Jane Milanetti to justice education activities in the Hamilton area.
Many thanks to the teachers whose hard work resulted in a truly memorable experience for the mock trial participants. Thanks also to the nearly 5oo lawyers, judges and court staff, who made the competitions possible!
Here is a sample of tweets from schools during tournament season:
Last night the BSS Mock Trial team competed at the OBA/OJEN Toronto Competitive Mock Trial Competition held at the Jarvis St Courthouse. They did exceptionally well as both the Crown and Defence teams. Congratulations girls! – BishopStrachanSchool
Super proud to have coached the @ABLucasVikings team to another win at the Southwestern Regional @OO_CMT OJEN/OBA high school mock trials! You guys worked hard and deserve to be champions again! Congrats Mr. Power and the entire team! – Eric Vallillee
Congratulations to our @btcsschool Law students on your Milanetti Cup win at the @OO_CMT Mock Trials today at the Sopinka Courthouse! Thank you to Mr Marini for your guidance and leadership. #titansized – Mr. Barone
Congratulations to our 2019 Mock Trial team on their Kelly Cup Championship! Well Done! – Pickering HS
Peel Mock Trial participants- photo by Frederick from St.Jude’s Academy, Mississauga.
Such a wonderful end to our @OJEN_ROEJ @OO_CMT 2019 Toronto Mock Trial Competition! Thank you to @LSSA_seneca and @SenecaCollege for having your students volunteer as court clerks for the 2nd year in a row #senecaproud – Monica Morana
Find more highlights from the 2019 OBA-OJEN Competitive Mock Trials on the OO_CMT Twitter!