Codes of Conduct
All Participants must adhere to the rules and procedures of the Mock Trial Program and this Code of Conduct. Teacher coaches, attorney coaches and students must digitally submit the code of conduct and the included extensions prior to the first trial round. Failure to abide by the Mock Trial Code of Conduct is sufficient grounds for disqualification and dismissal of the team with which the offender(s) is directly or indirectly connected at the sole discretion of the Mock Trial Coordinator.
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Middle School Mock Trial Attorney Coach Code of Ethical Conduct and Attorney Coach Agreement
Agreement for Attorney Coach Participants in the Center for Civic Values Middle School Mock Trial Program (Program)
1. Representation and Conduct: Teachers, attorney coaches, students, and team supporters represent their respective teams and New Mexico during all mock trial activities (practices, team activities, scrimmages, and programs). Any violations of mock trial rules or professional standards will be addressed by the Mock Trial Coordinator, who may impose disciplinary measures as deemed necessary. Infractions occurring outside of the New Mexico Program, including public criticism of the Program or its affiliates, will be handled by the CCV Board of Directors and the Mock Trial Coordinator.
2. Fairness and Civility: All trials must be conducted with honesty, fairness, and utmost civility. Unsportsmanlike behavior is prohibited at all times, including during awards ceremonies.
3. Adherence to Program Rules: Team members must adhere to the Program’s rules both in spirit and practice. They are expected to handle both perceived success and defeat with dignity and restraint.
4. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in the immediate removal of the entire team from the Program.
5. Courthouse Conduct: Eating, drinking, smoking, and gum chewing are not allowed in the Courthouse.
6. Courtroom Access: Team members may not enter courtrooms where their team is not participating.
7. Professionalism: The Program is designed for those who wish to conduct themselves as professionals both inside and outside the courtroom. At the Courthouse and during awards ceremonies, all team members are expected to respect their environment, demonstrate professionalism, use trash receptacles, and leave all facilities in good condition.
Digital Signature and Commitment
All attorney coaches must submit their digital signature to agree to this Code of Conduct before participating in any Mock Trial activities.
Attorney Coach Agreement
1. I confirm that I have not been subject to any past disciplinary actions and am not currently facing any pending disciplinary issues.
2. As an attorney coach, I understand my responsibilities include: – Adhering to all Program Rules at all times. – Instilling in team members the values and ideals outlined in the Lawyer’s Creed of Professionalism. – Upholding my ethical and professional duties to represent the legal profession in the best possible light.
3. I recognize that as an attorney coach, I represent both my team and the New Mexico Program. The Center for Civic Values may impose sanctions on teams or individuals for: – Misconduct during Program participation. – Serious rule violations. – Breaches of decorum that affect the conduct of trials or tarnish the reputation of any team, school, participant, court officer, judge, or the mock trial program. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, disqualification, immediate removal from Program events, and forfeiture of all fees and awards (if applicable).
4. Violations of the Program’s rules and professional expectations will be addressed by the Mock Trial Coordinator, who may impose appropriate disciplinary actions as outlined in Rule 1.2 of the New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Rules.
5. Under no circumstances will I solicit, encourage, or engage in any inappropriate personal relationships with students participating in the Mock Trial Program.
Middle School Mock Trial Civility Statement – To be acknowledged by the Teacher Coach
You might have seen trials in movies and TV shows where lawyers display, or barely hide, disdain for each other and even for the judge. While this makes for compelling drama, real trials are rarely conducted this way and should never be.
The general duty of an attorney is outlined in the New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct, adopted by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, which govern the behavior of all attorneys in the state. The Rules state, in part:
As an advocate, a lawyer vigorously represents the client’s position within the rules of the adversarial system.
As a negotiator, a lawyer seeks a favorable outcome for the client while maintaining honest dealings with others.
As an evaluator, a lawyer examines a client’s legal matters and reports on them to the client or others.
A lawyer’s actions should comply with the law, both in their professional duties and personal affairs. Lawyers should only use legal procedures for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others. They should show respect for the legal system and those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers, and public officials. While it is sometimes necessary for a lawyer to challenge the propriety of official actions, they also have a duty to uphold the legal process [Preamble].
A lawyer must act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. This duty does not require the use of offensive tactics or prevent treating everyone involved in the legal process with courtesy and respect [Rule 16-103].
Students participating as attorneys in the New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program should aim to follow these principles of civility when representing their clients’ interests, as scoring judges will likely appreciate this. A lack of civility can negatively affect the judges’ evaluations.
Except for rare instances where a student portrays a witness requiring a departure from the high standards of civility expected in the legal profession, it is generally more effective for a witness to respond politely to questions, avoid interrupting the attorney, and wait while an objection is raised. Regardless of how hostile the character being portrayed may be, a witness should never show disrespect to the court.
For attorneys, civility is not only expected but can also be surprisingly effective. Being civil does not mean being a pushover; aggressive behavior often undermines the strength of an argument. Cross-examination can be thorough and discredit a witness’s testimony without being aggressive, as a hostile tone may only elicit sympathy for the witness.
Advisors, coaches, and parents are expected to consistently model civil behavior and respect toward the court and members and supporters of the opposing team.
Middle School Mock Trial Student Code of Ethical Conduct
Agreement for Student Participants in the Center for Civic Values New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program.
1. Representation and Conduct: All teachers, attorney coaches, students, and team supporters act as representatives of their teams and New Mexico at mock trial events (practices, team activities, scrimmages, and programs). Any breaches of mock trial rules or professional expectations will be addressed by the Mock Trial Coordinator, who may impose appropriate disciplinary actions. Violations occurring outside of the Program, including public criticism of the Program or its affiliates, will be addressed by the CCV Board of Directors and the Mock Trial Coordinator.
2. Fairness and Civility: Trials must be conducted with honesty, fairness, and the utmost civility. Unsportsmanlike conduct is strictly prohibited at all times during the Program, including at awards ceremonies.
3. Adherence to Rules: Team members must respect both the spirit and letter of the Program rules. All team members are expected to handle both perceived victories and losses with dignity and restraint.
4. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are strictly forbidden. Any infraction will result in the immediate removal of the entire team from the Program.
5. Prohibitions in the Courthouse: Eating, drinking, smoking, and gum chewing are not allowed in the Courthouse.
6. Courtroom Access: Team members are prohibited from entering courtrooms where their team is not participating.
7. Professionalism: The Program is for those committed to professional conduct both inside and outside the courtroom. Team members must respect their environment, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain cleanliness in the Courthouse and other facilities.
Digital Signature and Commitment
All student participants must digitally sign to agree to this Code of Conduct before engaging in any activities.
Extension of the Code of Conduct
As a member of my middle school team, I affirm that I have read and fully committed to the Program’s purpose and spirit. I support the goals outlined in the Code of Conduct and pledge not to engage in or condone any of the negative behaviors described therein. I undertake this commitment as a condition of my participation in the Program and promise to adhere to the highest standards of behavior, showing respect to fellow students, opponents, judges, coaches, and all Mock Trial personnel.
I agree to handle both success and defeat with dignity and restraint, avoid unethical tactics, and adhere to all Program rules. I will seek clarification from my team’s teacher and attorney coaches as needed and commit to compliance with the Program rules both in spirit and practice. I will not plagiarize or use technology to gain unfair advantage.
I understand that misuse of telecommunications technology for gaining an unfair advantage could lead to disciplinary actions, including possible expulsion from the Program.
I acknowledge that my participation may involve being photographed, recorded, or filmed. I agree not to distribute any media from the Program without explicit written consent from all individuals involved, including students, parents/guardians, and coaches. I will not post any images from the Program on social media or allow others to do so, and I will report any violations of this policy.
Any breach of these rules may result in my removal from the Program and places my entire team in jeopardy of being penalized for my actions.
Middle School Teacher Coach Code of Ethical Conduct
To Be Signed by Teacher Coach Participants in the Center for Civic Values New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program.
1. Representation and Conduct: All teachers, attorney coaches, students, and team supporters act as representatives of their teams and New Mexico at mock trial events (practices, team activities, scrimmages, and programs). Any breaches of mock trial rules or professional expectations will be addressed by the Mock Trial Coordinator, who may impose appropriate disciplinary actions. Violations occurring outside of the Program, including public criticism of the Program or its affiliates, will be addressed by the CCV Board of Directors and the Mock Trial Coordinator.
2. Fairness and Civility: Trials must be conducted with honesty, fairness, and the utmost civility. Unsportsmanlike conduct is strictly prohibited at all times during the Program, including at awards ceremonies.
3. Adherence to Rules: Team members must respect both the spirit and letter of the Program rules. All team members are expected to handle both perceived victories and losses with dignity and restraint.
4. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are strictly forbidden. Any infraction will result in the immediate removal of the entire team from the Program.
5. Prohibitions in the Courthouse: Eating, drinking, smoking, and gum chewing are not allowed in the Courthouse.
6. Courtroom Access: Team members are prohibited from entering courtrooms where their team is not participating.
7. Professionalism: The Program is for those committed to professional conduct both inside and outside the courtroom. Team members must respect their environment, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain cleanliness in the Courthouse and other facilities.
All teacher coaches must submit their digital signature agreeing to this code of conduct prior to participating in all Mock Trial activities.
Extension of the Code of Conduct
I have read and fully commit myself to the overall purpose and spirit of the Mock Trial Program. Moreover, I endorse the specific goals of the Mock Trial Program as set forth in the Code of Conduct and agree not to engage in or condone any of the negative behaviors set forth therein.
I execute this Extension of said Code of Conduct in my role as teacher coach, hereby agreeing to focus attention on the educational value of the Mock Trial Program.
I agree to act as an adult role model for my students and to discourage willful violations of the rules. I will instruct my students as to proper procedure and decorum and will assist them in understanding and abiding by the program rules and procedures as well as adhering to the spirit of this Code of Conduct.
By action and by deed, I will teach my students the importance of treating others with respect and courtesy. In my interaction with other teacher coaches, attorney coaches, mock trial judges, mock trial coordinators, other volunteers and mock trial personnel,
I will set an example that my students can follow.
I understand that I have the following responsibilities for which I, alone, am accountable:
1. Training students to fulfill their roles in the mock trial program. Which includes reading and understanding the Rules of Program.
2. Circulating the Code of Conduct to all parents and guest-observers in advance of their attending any of the rounds of program.
I agree that I will not disseminate any reproduction of any portion of this program without the express written consent of each student and the parent/guardian of each, of my team as well as opposing teams, as well as the permission or consent of the student’s own coach, whose images may be captured on film or other telecommunications technology.
I will not post any images from this program on Facebook, Twitter (“X”) or any other social networking site without the permission as set forth above. I will not encourage or permit anyone else to do so and will report the same if it happens.
I further agree that any violation of this rule subjects me to removal from the program and places my entire team in jeopardy of being severely penalized for my actions.
I agree to act as a role model by carrying out my responsibilities as a teacher, never forgetting that I am representing the educational system in addition to coaching high school students as their mock trial advisor.
Thus, I will zealously encourage fair play and promote conduct and behavior that is in keeping both with proper courtroom decorum and the spirit of the Mock Trial Program. I will discourage skirting the rules and engaging in obstructionist behavior that interferes with the orderly flow of courtroom procedures.
I agree to instill the highest standards of the education profession by discouraging a culture of win-at-any-cost and by promoting a spirit of willing compliance with the rules of the program and the ethical guidelines provided by the Code of Conduct.