The JGHC Summer Scholars Institute Mock Trial Intensive is an immersive experience for high school students interested in law, justice, and courtroom procedure. Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of legal advocacy, the program builds critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical skills essential to success in mock trial and future legal studies.
With guidance from experienced legal educators and support from collegiate mock trial competitors, students explore key elements of trial practice, including opening statements, witness examination, and closing arguments. The experience culminates in a mock trial held at Stetson University College of Law, offering participants the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional courtroom setting and gain firsthand exposure to the legal field.
JGHC Mock Trial Intensive Details
Program Director: To Be Announced
Location: USF St. Petersburg
Grade Levels: Rising 10th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dates: TBD
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Hands-On Legal Training for High Schoolers
Your child will gain an introduction to the American legal system through hands-on training in courtroom procedures. Guided by collegiate competitors and law students, they鈥檒l learn courtroom decorum, trial strategies, and participate in stop-and-go drills to refine their skills.
Rigorous Skill Development and Real-World Practice
This intensive program requires commitment and practice outside the classroom. Students will develop critical thinking, rhetorical skills, and public speaking, all essential for advocacy. Each day brings challenging exercises that prepare them for the final mock trial at Stetson Law School.
Exclusive Insights from Law Experts
Throughout the week, students will attend panels with legal experts and law school admissions leaders. Highlights include a panel with faculty experts, an admissions talk by Stetson Law鈥檚 Dean of Admissions, and career insights from practicing legal professionals.
Showcase Trial and Award Ceremony
The experience culminates in a full mock trial at Stetson Law School, where families can watch students put their skills to the test. The trial is followed by a closing reception and award ceremony, celebrating each participant鈥檚 growth and achievements.
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of law and gain real courtroom experience in St. Petersburg. This immersive, week-long program introduces students to legal advocacy, courtroom procedure, and persuasive communication through hands-on, experiential learning. Guided by experienced legal educators and supported by collegiate mock trial competitors and law students, participants build critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills while gaining confidence in professional courtroom settings.
Beyond skill development, the program provides meaningful exposure to the legal profession through discussions with legal professionals and culminates in a mock trial held at Stetson University College of Law. Designed for students considering law, public policy, or related fields, the Mock Trial Intensive equips participants with transferable communication and analytical skills that support success in college and beyond. Register now to take the first step toward a future in law.
Useful Information
Registration & Camp Details
When does registration open for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Registration for all 2026 summer programs will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive has a capacity of 32.
What is the Judy Genshaft Honors College Summer Scholars Institute?
The Judy Genshaft Honors College Summer Scholar Institute features a series of summer camps crafted in partnership with the Judy Genshaft Honors College. These camps provide exceptional learning experiences that blend the extensive resources of a top research university with the personal attention and supportive community typically found in smaller institutions.
Where is the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive located?
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive is located at the USF St. Petersburg Campus. We will share the exact program location closer to the start date, and all details will be emailed to you in advance.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your student for drop-off at 8:50 AM at the USF St. Petersburg Campus, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive is led by a collaborative instructional team supported by the 草莓视频 and Stetson University College of Law. Program design and curriculum development are informed by experienced mock trial educators, with contributions from legal professionals and law school partners who specialize in high school legal education and experiential learning.
During the program, students are guided by collegiate mock trial competitors and law students who support instruction, skill-building, and trial preparation throughout the week. Guest speakers from the legal field provide additional insight into legal careers and courtroom practice, and the program culminates in a mock trial held at Stetson University College of Law. Final instructional staff and guest presenters may vary year to year and are confirmed prior to the start of the program
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Yes, the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive is eligible for Rocky鈥檚 Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:
路 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
路 All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
路 Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
路 Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges,
and more
路 Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
路 A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
路 Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
路 Laundry facilities for campers' use
路 24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Does the Rocky鈥檚 Residents option cover the Saturday session at Stetson Law?
Participant Requirements and Expectations
Are there additional commitments after the daily sessions are over?
In addition to attending daily sessions, students are expected to spend time outside of these sessions collaborating with their team on the case. A unique feature of this camp is the Mock Trial event, which will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Stetson Law School. Please note that all students participating in Rocky's Residents must be formally signed out on Friday, July 10, and will need to return the following day for the Mock Trial. We kindly ask that all parents attend this special culminating experience.
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email: youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the
camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp,
minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received
within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days
attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed
from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event
it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location,
you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is
up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules
a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at photos from last year's JGHC Mock Trial Intensive
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