District Court

In District Court, students have the chance to demonstrate their talents as lawyers, witnesses, and jurors. This HMCE feature is a mock trial program with cases argued before a jury. The element of drama plays a large role in the District Court, as witnesses influence the course of a trial with their testimonies.

Participation in District Court gives students a better understanding of how the American judicial system works, both in the administration of justice and in the protection of the rights of the accused. These trials give students a valuable opportunity to develop skills in critical analysis, oral presentation, and preparation and organization of materials. Delegations send six-person teams to District Court to act as the prosecution or defense, plaintiffs, witnesses, and jurors. Harvard students serve as judges and head jurors for the trials.

2009 Staff and Topics