Making the Case: Mock Hearing Toolkit

This OJEN Mock Hearings Toolkit has been developed to provide ideas and assistance to teachers or justice sector representatives thinking of coordinating a mock hearing (bail hearings, trials, sentencings, sentencing circles and appeals) for Ontario students.

A student mock hearing is a simulation of a real court or administrative hearing, with students playing the roles of lawyers, witnesses, accused, court staff and in some cases the judge. Fact scenarios can include civil or criminal disputes. During mock hearings, students reenact every step of a real hearing. Mock hearings are a great way to bring the law to life for students. Participants develop their advocacy, public speaking, organization, research, and reasoning skills. They work as members of a team, developing a theory of a case, and making sure all elements of their case are presented harmoniously. Individually, either as a lawyer presenting arguments or leading evidence, or as a witness giving evidence, they develop personal confidence and self-esteem. And student participants learn to think on their feet!