The Connecticut Bar Association hosted the final round of its statewide high school mock trial competition on March 19, with teams from Weston High School and West Hartford’s William H. Hall High School competing at the Connecticut Supreme Court.
The event marked the culmination of a series that began in December 2025, when regional trials were held across courthouses in Connecticut. The competition aimed to provide students with opportunities to develop advocacy skills, legal knowledge, and professionalism under the supervision of the Mock Trial Subcommittee of the CBA Civics Education Committee.
Teams that advanced through regional rounds participated in a statewide playoff tournament. The championship round challenged students to address a criminal case involving a drug overdose incident, requiring them to analyze evidence and argue both sides before experienced jurists. Avi Mayo of William H. Hall High School said, “Competing in the mock trial finals was an incredible honor that made the entire experience feel real and meaningful.”
During the final round, participants demonstrated public speaking and critical thinking skills as they conducted direct and cross-examinations. Ananya Rajesh of Weston High School reflected on her role as a witness: “I couldn’t just memorize my lines; instead, I focused on understanding my character and the role I played in the case as a whole,” adding that it strengthened her ability to respond confidently during questioning.
Chief Justice Raheem L. Mullins welcomed attendees at the start of proceedings while Associate Justice William H. Bright, Jr., who presided over the trial, said “the students’ level of preparation was phenomenal” and compared their advocacy to that of seasoned attorneys.
Weston High School won this year’s state championship title and will represent Connecticut at May’s National High School Mock Trial Competition. Team member Cavan Morvillo said, “Being able to represent Connecticut on the national stage is an honor we do not take lightly… We want to make our school and state proud.”
The Mock Trial Program remains central to advancing civics education by providing practical courtroom experience for students throughout months of preparation and competition.
