The Mock Trial team at Barnstable High School is a Gateway program that participates in interscholastic competition. Students in grades 8 - 12 may participate in rehearsals, but only students in grades 9 - 12 may participate in competitions. The Mock Trial program is run by the Massachusetts Bar Association, and provides high school students with the opportunity to “test their skills as lawyers and witnesses in a simulated courtroom competition.” Through the program, students learn about the American judicial system and practice the skills used by attorneys in the courtroom. In addition to the two BHS coaches, students work with an attorney from the community to prepare for competition. The team meets twice per week from late October (when the case is released) through early February (the end of the first round of competition), although the season could extend until the third week of March, if the team advances through several rounds of competition. During the off-season, meetings take place approximately once a month.