Journalist State Finals Information
Congratulations on winning your county’s Courtroom Journalist Contest! Here is a summary of the events that will take place at the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals. For more information review the Journalist's Rules/Requirements or contact Daisy Alonso at daisy@teachdemocracy.org or 213-316-2127.
Journalist Registration, Fee, and Waiver/Release Form: Each courtroom journalist participating in the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals must register online, pay a registration fee of $95.00, and submit a student waiver by March 6.
Journalist Check-in (Friday, March 22 at 12:00 pm): The journalist check-in will take place in the Biltmore Foyer at the Biltmore Hotel. At check-in, journalists will receive a participation certificate, a goodie bag, and other information.
Welcome Orientation (Friday, March 22 at 1:00 pm): Journalists are encouraged to attend the Welcome Ceremony in the Biltmore Bowl at the Biltmore Hotel.
Courtroom Journalist Workshop (Friday, March 22 at 6:00 pm): All courtroom journalists must attend the Journalist Workshop at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. During this meeting, you will interact with other courtroom journalists and learn tips on how to become a better reporter and writer from a professional journalist. You will also receive important information about the contest. All participants must bring their county's winning article to the Journalist Workshop.
Practice Article - Round 2 (Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 am): All courtroom journalists must attend Round 2 and draft a practice article of their team's trial at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Courtroom Journalist Official Article - Round 3 (Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 pm): All official articles must be based on what students witness at their county’s mock trial team's trial during Round 3 and cannot be written before Round 3. All entries must be typed and emailed to daisy@teachdemocracy.org by 5:30 pm on Saturday, March 23. The article submission must be an attachment and not in the body of the email.
Championship Trial (Sunday, March 24 at 9:00 am): Journalists are welcome to attend the Championship Trial at the Biltmore Hotel.
Awards Ceremony (Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 pm): All journalist entries will be evaluated, and first, second, and third place plaques will be awarded at the Awards Ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel.