The Davidson County High School Mock Trial Competition is held every year at the Historic Metro Courthouse, where local high school mock trial teams compete by litigating both sides of a theoretical lawsuit. Teams are scored based on their ability, knowledge of law, demeanor, preparedness, and professionalism.
With nearly 20 local high schools competing, this event takes place over five rounds spanning two days. Dozens of YLD members and local attorneys come together to present, judge, and score the mock trial competition. The top two placing teams continue on to the Tennessee State competition for a chance at competing in the National Competition.
State of Tennessee v. Alex Callahan
Giovanni “Johnny” Malone was shot twice, once in the chest and once in the shoulder, in the rear parking lot of La Scala Ristorante in Bellavita, Gravemont County, Tennessee. Emergency services were dispatched at 9:57pm and pronounced him dead on arrival. No shell casings, fingerprints, or DNA were recovered at the scene. Access the full problem and exhibits.
Access the full document of rules here.
This year's Mock Trial will be held on Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Historic Metro Courthouse.
- Round 1 | Friday, Feb 20 at 4:00pm
- Round 2 | Friday, Feb 20 at 7:00pm
- Round 3 | Saturday, Feb 21 at 9:00am
- Round 4 | Saturday, Feb 21 at 12:00am
The Davidson County High School Mock Trial Competition represents District 9 (Davidson County). Registration for the Mock Trial Competition takes place through a registration portal provided by the Tennessee Bar Association. To register your team for District 9 (Davidson County) competition please click here.
If you are available to volunteer, please click the Volunteer Button below. From there, you will select: (1) the round(s) for which you are available, and (2) whether you would prefer to serve as a juror/scorer, bailiff or presiding judge (or no preference). You must be a licensed attorney to volunteer for the presiding judge slot and/or a juror who scores the round. You do not need to be a licensed attorney to volunteer as a bailiff. Volunteers are needed for each of the rounds. Please note that after signing up to volunteer, it is strongly recommended that you do not cancel absent emergency circumstances. Simply put, the success of Mock Trial depends heavily on our volunteers.
Volunteers are what make this competition possible every year, and both the YLD and the students greatly appreciate your time and support!
Register to Volunteer
The James Robertson Parkway entrance to the building is the only entry and exit available. We regret that we are not able to validate or reimburse teams and their visitors for parking charges. Please pick up a nametag at our check-in station on the ground floor and keep it with you to facilitate reentry to the Courthouse.
Parking is available on the street around the courthouse and in the Public Square Garage beside the courthouse. More information about parking locations can be found online here.
