Acts WI Admin. Each weekend day during the fair's run, a 90-minute version of a fictional criminal or civil trial is presented at the Family Living Center on the fairgrounds. The cases are culled from High School Mock Trial programs nationwide or from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy's files. Judges preside over the trials, which are argued by attorneys.
Volunteers portray witnesses, and audience members serve as jurors.
Throughout the trial, a moderator provides commentary on the proceedings and answers audience questions. The program educates the public about the jury system by providing an in-person glimpse at a criminal or civil trial. Attorney Will Techmeier has been involved with the program since its inception, both as director of the WATL committee in charge of the program, and as a moderator. The mock trial familiarizes the public with the court system, how judges operate, and what lawyers really do. And it's entertaining as well as educational.