Five Treasure Valley moot court teams emerged victorious in the regional competition Saturday, qualifying for the state competition in Boise later this month.

Of 10 teams that competed at the Canyon County Courthouse this past weekend, those that will advance to state competition include two from Ambrose School, a private Christian school in Meridian. Other victorious teams represent the Genesis Home School Group, Meridian's Rocky Mountain High School and Vallivue High School.

This year’s Idaho mock trial case is a criminal case that explores allegations of bullying and a “stand your ground” defense. For each courtroom a panel of three judges -- usually consisting of a judge, an attorney, and a community member not associated with the legal profession -- scored the event, selected winners and debriefed the participants and their coaches regarding legal knowledge and presentation skills.

In the state competition, 12 teams from three regions (Treasure Valley, Eastern Idaho, and Northern Idaho) will compete in four quarterfinal rounds held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, March 20-21, at the Ada County Courthouse.

The top four finishers will compete in the semi-final rounds at the Federal Courthouse on Friday morning, March 22, and the top two finishers will vie for the title of Idaho State Champion at the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday afternoon. The state champion will represent Idaho at the National High School Mock Trial Championship to be held in Indianapolis May 9 to 11.