Visit Discovering Justice's Facebook page for photos of the May 4 Evening of Mock Trials!

Twice each year, the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse echoes with the sounds of young legal apprentices making statements, questioning witnesses, and addressing judges.

The Discovering Justice and Citizen Schools' Evening of Mock Trials occurs each May and December at the culmination of the ten-week Legal Apprenticeship Program, in which middle school students work with local attorneys to prepare cases for mock trial. Students, attorney mentors, and hundreds of family members, teachers, and supporters gather in the Moakley Courthouse's expansive atrium for an opening ceremony during which the student "attorneys" are sworn in by a judge. Following the ceremony, the legal apprentices conduct lively mock trials in the Moakley's stately courtrooms before real judges and juries.

The Evening of Mock Trials is a wonderful community event. It provides an opportunity for Boston middle school students to demonstrate the confidence, public speaking skills, and legal knowledge they have developed over a semester of hard work.

Don't miss the chance to attend our next Evening of Mock Trials! You can serve as a juror or simply watch the proceedings.

Check back soon for the date of the Fall, 2010 Evening of Mock Trials!