In the competition phase, students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses based on the evidence and witness statements. Professional attorneys or judges serve as the presiding judges and juror/evaluators. Teams are evaluated on their ability to make a logical, cohesive and persuasive presentation, rather than on the legal merits of the case.

Adding to the authenticity of the competition, teams compete in actual courtrooms across the state beginning with the regional competitions. Regional winners and two wildcard teams gather in Lawrenceville, Ga., to compete for the state title and a chance to advance to the National High School Mock Trial Championship.