Courtroom Journalist Contest Information
Congratulations on your outstanding victory at your county's Courtroom Journalist Contest!
Journalists Registration, Fee, and Student Waiver/Release Form—Each courtroom journalist participating in the 2025 California Mock Trial Finals must register online, pay a registration fee of $95.00, and submit a student waiver by February 28.
Please review the Courtroom Journalist Contest Information flyer for essential details. If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Daisy Alonso at daisy@teachdemocracy.org or 213-316-2127 or Lourdes Morales at lourdes@teachdemocracy.org or 213-316-2125.
Courtroom Journalist General Schedule
Friday, March 14, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm—Courtroom Journalist Contest Check-in—Upon arrival at the Biltmore Foyer in the Biltmore Hotel, you'll receive a participation certificate, a goodie bag, and all the essential details to enhance your Mock Trial experience.
Friday, March 14, at 1:00 pm—Welcome Orientation—We’re thrilled to welcome you! Join us in the Biltmore Bowl at the Biltmore Hotel to connect with our dedicated staff, who are available to support you throughout the event. Together, we will celebrate the county-winning teams, journalists, and artists. Don’t miss the vital details we’ll share about the upcoming events.
Friday, March 14 at 5:30 pm—Courtroom Journalist Workshop—Your participation in the Journalist Workshop at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse will provide an opportunity to engage with fellow courtroom journalists and gain valuable insights. You'll receive crucial details about the contest and personalized feedback on your county submission that will help elevate your work. Join us and sharpen your skills while connecting with the journalist community!
Saturday, March 15 at 8:30 am—Round 1-Practice Writing—To maximize your opportunity in the Courtroom Journalist Contest, draft a practice article during your team’s Round 2 trial at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Saturday, March 15 at 1:00 pm—Round 3-Courtroom Journalist Official Round—To participate in the Courtroom Journalist Contest, ensure you create your official article during your team’s Round 3 at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. This is your chance to capture the dynamic courtroom environment firsthand. After Round 3 concludes, you will have a couple of hours to type up your official article and email it to daisy@teachdemoncracy.org by 6:00 pm.
Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m.—Student Social—Join us for an exciting evening where all students are invited to enjoy great music, dance, and connect with fellow students from around the state! Don't miss the announcement of the top two teams advancing to the Championship Trial at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 at 1:00 pm—Awards Ceremony—The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Biltmore Hotel. We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our talented journalists with first-place, second-place, and third-place plaques. Join us as we honor incredible writing, artistic creativity, and team presentations.