Notre Dame High School supporters react to the announcement of their team's victory at the 44th Annual Riverside County Mock Trial Championship on Feb. 19, at the Riverside Historic Courthouse. Inset: The winning team poses with their trophy and championship check. (Courtesy of Riverside County Office of Education)
Notre Dame High School claimed the 44th Annual Riverside County Mock Trial Championship on Thursday, Feb. 19, defeating Martin Luther King High School in the final round at the Riverside Historic Courthouse. It is Notre Dame's second county title — the school previously won in 2022.
The all-Riverside final put two local schools head-to-head, with MLK's team arguing the prosecution and Notre Dame's team representing the defense. Poly High School and Ramona High School tied for third place.
Notre Dame will now represent Riverside County at the California Mock Trial Competition March 20-22 in Oakland. The state winner advances to the National Mock Trial Championship, set for May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.
"Congratulations to all the student competitors who exhibited extraordinary poise and professionalism that powerfully demonstrates how competitions like the Riverside County Mock Trial are preparing them for a future in the legal field, in higher education, and endless opportunities," said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. "I look forward to seeing Riverside County's top team from Notre Dame High School compete for a state championship."
This year's fictional case, People v. Fromholz, centers on the trial of a reality TV cooking show contestant accused of poisoning a celebrity judge with toxic mushrooms. Student teams argued issues including premeditation, unlawful search and seizure, and forensic evidence.
Mock Trial students argue cases in front of real judges and are scored by practicing attorneys. The competition is open to all Riverside County students in grades 9-12 at public and private high schools. Teams of 8-25 students fill courtroom roles including attorneys, witnesses, and court clerks.
More than 14,000 students have participated in the competition over its 44-year history. The event is sponsored by the Riverside County Superior Courts, the Riverside County Bar Association, and the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE).
The annual parade, founded by two high school students in 1980, brought together community leaders, performers, and families for a day of celebration on February 14.
