High schoolers put legal skills to the test in Tuscarawas County mock trials
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 29, 2026) – The next generation of attorneys are getting a chance to put their skills on display as high school students simulate real courtroom proceedings in Tuscarawas County.
Ten high school teams are competing in district mock trials Friday at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse. The competition gives students hands-on experience with the law, court procedures, and the judicial system.
Tuscarawas County Juvenile Court Judge Adam Wilgus, who now serves as the competition’s coordinator, began his involvement as a volunteer judge. He says the program consistently impresses him with the level of preparation and professionalism students bring to the courtroom.
“I really enjoy the coordinator role because it allows me to float between the different courtrooms and see all of the kids participate,” he said. “The kids really are talented. We’ve got some kids in here that I know, someday, would make great attorneys — and you can see it even as high schoolers.”
During the mock trials, students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, serving as both prosecution and defense. Teams argue a fictional, unscripted case while being guided by teachers and volunteer legal advisors.
“It’s as realistic as you can make it for all these kids who participate on the same day across the entire state,” said Wilgus.
A panel of volunteers serves as judges, evaluating student performance and offering feedback. The program aims to strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, and listening skills, while also helping students better understand constitutional rights and responsibilities.
“We have 16 local attorneys who have volunteered their time to come here and act as judges for the mock trials.”
Schools participating in Friday’s competition include Claymont, Dover, Garaway, and New Philadelphia, along with teams from Steubenville and Edison high schools. Some schools are sending multiple teams to compete.
The winners of Friday’s district mock trials will advance to next month’s regional competition.