The Dallas Kids Project is a mock trial competition designed for elementary school kids based on the popular Harry Potter series. The program is held biannually and typically the fall competition is held around Halloween. SMU law students serve as mentors and coach elementary school students from Dallas Independent School District. The mentors work with the kids once a week for three weeks to teach them the basics of a civil lawsuit and courtroom procedure and to help them write their arguments for the competition.
Parents and school officials are encouraged to attend the competition at SMU. On the day of the mock trial competition, the kids take a tour of the entire SMU campus and enjoy a pizza party lunch with their mentors before the competition. One of the main goals of the Dallas Kids Project is to promote higher education to elementary students. In furtherance of this goal, the campus tours emphasize the variety of areas of study as well as the abundance of financial aid available.
The mock trial competition is performed exclusively by elementary school students who act as the attorneys, witnesses, and bailiffs for the trial. A judge will preside over the case and a six-person jury comprised of law students will determine the outcome. The judge selects the Best Overall Witness, Best Attorney for the Plaintiff and Best Attorney for the Defense to receive awards.
This fun opportunity is proof that a little bit of time and effort from the busy schedule of law student can make a big difference in the life of an underprivileged child.
