Dozens of Western Slope students were in court this weekend.

High schoolers are going in front of a judge for the 28th annual Mock Trial Tournament.

Seven teams from across the Western Slope are competing head-to-head, arguing a criminal murder case.

The students act as the defense, prosecution, and jury.

It all comes down to how they argue the case in front of a panel of actual lawyers and judges from the Grand Junction area.

“They put on a full trial, they put on witnesses, put in exhibits, and at the end there is a verdict,” regional coordinator, Lance Timbreza, said. “The kids are judged on their performance, their knowledge of the rules of evidence, and their performance in the courtroom. The rules that apply are actual rules of evidence that attorneys use when they're in court. “

Event coordinators say those who participate in the mock trial will walk away with more knowledge of law and how a trial works.