The purpose of the National High School Mock Trial Championship is to stimulate and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American legal system through competition between member state programs. This purpose is accomplished by providing students the opportunity to participate actively in the learning process. As a means of diligent application of the National High School Mock Trial Championship’s Rules during the competition, the following Code of Ethical Conduct has been adopted for all participants:
§1 Team members and all student participants, including the NHSMTC Courtroom Artist Contest, promise to compete with the highest standards of deportment. Team members and participants will avoid all tactics they know are wrong or in violation of the Rules, including the use of unfair extrapolations. Members and participants will not willfully violate the Rules of the competition in spirit or in practice.
§2 Teacher Coaches agree to focus attention on the educational value of the Mock Trial Competition. They shall discourage willful violations of the Rules and/or this Code. Teachers will instruct students as to proper procedure and decorum and will assist their students in understanding and abiding by the letter and the spirit of the competition’s Rules and this Code of Ethical Conduct.
§3 Attorney Coaches agree to uphold the highest standards of the legal profession and will zealously encourage fair play. Attorney Coaches are reminded that they are in a position of authority and thus must serve as positive role models for the students. They will promote conduct and decorum among their team members and fellow coaches in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the competition’s Rules and this Code of Ethical Conduct and will demonstrate the same through their own behavior. They will emphasize the educational value of the experience by requiring that all questions, objections, responses, opening statements and closing arguments be substantially the work product of the team members.
§4 All participants (including observers) are bound by all sections of this Code and agree to abide by the provisions. All competitors, coaches and other participants, including observers, will show respect for all team members and participants, including their opponents and all judges, evaluators, attorney coaches, teacher coaches, and mock trial staff and/or volunteer personnel. All competitors, coaches and participants, including observers, will focus on accepting defeat and success with dignity and restraint. Trials, contests and activities will be conducted honestly, fairly, and with the utmost civility. Teams are responsible for insuring that all observers are aware of the Code. Students, teacher coaches and attorney coaches will be required to sign a copy of this Code. This acceptance will serve as evidence of knowledge and agreement to the provisions of the Code. Violations of this Code of Ethical Conduct may be grounds for reductions in scores and/or disqualification from a contest.