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Mock Trial Experience for Junior High and Elementary Students

This summer, from July 30th to August 13th, TMI Law Firm, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is hosting a Mock Trial Program as part of the "Hills Workshop for Kids 2026," organized by Mori Building Company. This annual event is tailored for elementary students in grades 5-6 and junior high school students, and it has garnered immense interest every year since its inception in 2011.

The popularity of this mock trial experience is evident as applications consistently exceed capacity. With a structured approach that mimics the flow of real criminal trials, students engage sincerely under the guidance of practicing lawyers. During this hands-on program, participants not only learn about legal processes but also assume various courtroom roles, thereby enhancing their understanding of the legal system.

Program Details

In this unique program, students work with a scripted criminal case that has its characters and scenarios adjusted for age-appropriateness. Divided into teams representing defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges, they take part in mock trials after receiving thorough explanations from lawyers. From personal identification questioning to the reading of charges, participants gradually acclimate to their roles, showcasing impressive poise even amidst the high-pressure environment of a courtroom.

During the interrogation phase, both the prosecutor and defense attorney teams strategize while receiving support from their legal mentors to craft their questioning methods. The interactions between the children and those playing witnesses or defendants lead to dynamic exchanges, filled with eager inquiries and spirited debates. Ultimately, following the prosecutor’s summation and the defense’s argument, the judge’s deliberation results in a verdict, reinforcing the entire mock trial experience.

As the program concludes, participating lawyers highlight the significance of courtroom judgments, emphasizing that such decisions profoundly impact individuals' lives. They stress the importance of listening to differing opinions, constructing one’s viewpoints, and engaging in discussions. Many children absorbed these lessons, reflecting on their experiences with serious expressions, as they learned to view issues from multiple perspectives.

Comments from Participating Students

• - "I realized that perspectives can differ based on one’s role."
• - "The judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney hold pivotal positions in altering a defendant's life."
• - "I came to understand how a single verdict can affect not just one person, but multiple lives."

Mock Trial Experience Summary

For Elementary Students (Applications Closed)

• - Dates: July 30th (Thursday), 31st (Friday), August 4th (Tuesday), and 12th (Wednesday)
• - Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Total of four sessions)

For Junior High Students (Applications Closed)

• - Dates: August 3rd (Monday) and 13th (Thursday)
• - Time: 1:45 PM – 5:00 PM (Total of two sessions)

• - Venue: TMI Law Firm Mock Courtroom (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 22F)
• - Maximum Participants: 10 per session
• - Target Age: Grades 5-6 in elementary school and junior high students

For more information, visit Hills Workshop for Kids 2026 .

About TMI Law Firm

TMI Law Firm was established in 1990 and currently employs 726 attorneys and 102 patent attorneys, making it one of Japan's largest law firms. With offices in eight domestic and 19 international locations, including local desks, TMI provides close-knit legal services for various organizations and communities. Notably, the firm continues to innovate, forming partnerships with local governments, universities, and independent administrative agencies. TMI aims to redefine the image of law firms while promptly addressing diverse client needs with its challenging approach.

For more information, visit TMI Law Firm Official Website.