Since 1990, Academy students have participated in the Hawaii High School Mock Trial Tournament which is designed to encourage and engage students in the examination of critical issues of law and to develop advocacy and communication skills. Each year, either a new civil or criminal case is given to participating school teams.

Members of the Mock Trail Team prepare both sides of the case, work closely with student witnesses and work directly with a practicing attorney. This year, the Team is guided by Stacy Suzuki, an Academy graduate and Honolulu attorney.

During the Mock Trial season, which runs from December through March, members of the Academy’s trial team practice three times a week on their assigned case in preparation for team competition. These intense events are held each Saturday in February at the First District Court of Hawaii.

The six to ten spots on the Trial Team are open to students in grades 9 to 12 who have and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.30.

The Hawaii High School Mock Trial Tournament is funded by the Hawaii State Bar Association, the Hawaii Friends of Civic and Law-Related Education and the Judiciary History Center.