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From the OJEN Blog

Preparations underway for 2025 OOCMT

Preparations for the OBA/OJEN Competitive Mock Trial (OOCMT) program are underway this month for many local tournaments across Ontario. Registration for high school teams opened in December in most regions, and tournaments will take place in late spring. 

Launched in 2014 in collaboration with the Ontario Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association Foundation, the program has engaged thousands of Ontario secondary school students. Students experience the excitement of presenting their case at a courthouse in their community. For many, it is a highlight of their high school years. For some, it is their first step to a career in law.

In a letter to her former law teacher, articling student, Megan Rahme commented on how impactful participating in Durham’s  2016 Kelly Cup mock trial tournament had been for her. 

“I just ran my first trial today and was successful in securing a conviction. My principal said I didn’t sound nervous like most articling students do when speaking and I definitely have you and mock trials to thank for that. It really is funny looking back on how taking your class and doing mock trial really changed the direction of my life. I don’t think I ever would have realized how passionate I was about criminal law”.

Delivering the OOCMT program requires the time and commitment of many individuals from both the education and justice sectors. Local committees devote countless hours to planning and organizing tournaments in their areas. Hundreds of lawyers volunteer their time to coach student teams, helping them build their case and explaining courtroom procedures. Court staff ensure that courtrooms are booked and courthouses are ready to accommodate tournament participants. Teachers devote additional time to prepare their students for competition and take care of the details required for out-of-class activity.  

Despite the challenges involved in delivering the program, everyone contributes to the activity with enthusiasm. The opportunity for students to learn about the justice system is unparalleled. Participating in mock trials not only gives them a deeper understanding of court processes, it helps them develop critical thinking and advocacy skills. These are skills they will use throughout their lives. 

This spring, after months of preparation, courthouses throughout Ontario will be filled with the excitement and anticipation of high school students, eager to take their turn. No matter who takes home the trophies, they will all walk away as winners.

To learn more about the program, please visit the OOCMT web page. If you have any questions, please email Amelia Berot-Burns, at aberotburns@ojen.ca

 

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