American Martyrs students took home second place in the first-ever California Mock Trial for middle school students last week.

The event was hosted by Teach Democracy, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that provides nonpartisan civic education through interactive programs for youth at the UCLA School of Law. 

 

Students portrayed the roles of attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs to argue about a fictitious murder case as parents, teachers, and coaches looked on from the courtroom galleries. 

Taking first place was St. Mel Middle School from Woodland Hills, and third place was awarded to Judkins Middle School from San Luis Obispo County.

Teach Democracy, formerly the Constitutional Rights Foundation, has brought middle and high school mock trial programs to counties throughout California for more than 42 years. With more than 8,000 students participating statewide, the program teaches working knowledge of the country's judicial system as participants develop critical and analytical thinking, communications skills and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

 

According to Teach Democracy, research shows that students who participate in mock trial gain civic knowledge and skills key to an informed and engaged citizenry, including the importance of making evidence-based arguments.

American Martyrs School in Manhattan Beach is home to more than 700 students in Pre-K through eighth grade.