High schools named Sweet 16 regional finalists in the Massachusetts Bar Association’s 28th annual Mock Trial Program

Sixteen high schools throughout the state have been named Sweet 16 regional finalists in the 28th Annual Statewide High School Mock Trial Program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association, according to a press release. They will continue in the program by competing in trials throughout this week.

The Mock Trial Program places high school teams in a simulated courtroom situation, where they take on the roles of plaintiff attorneys, defense attorneys and witnesses. Local attorneys serve as both team coaches and judges for the trials.

This year’s criminal case, the prosecution alleges the defendant poisoned and killed his great-aunt by tampering with her medication. The defense claims the great-aunt either died of a natural heart attack or was murdered by either her live-in caretaker or another relative upset about her reduction of their inheritance.

The Sweet 16 winners vied for their titles by competing in trials throughout January and February. More than 130 high schools across the state initially signed up to participate in the program.

After this week's trials, the 16 regional winners will be whittled down to eight teams. Those eight will compete next week for a chance to reach the semi-final elimination round, where four teams will face off during trials held simultaneously on March 18 in Boston and Worcester.

The two remaining teams will compete for the state championship on March 20 in the Great Hall of Boston's Faneuil Hall. In 2012, The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School of South Hadley won the state championship, its second in a row, and competed in the national tournament.

Here are the 16 regional winners:

Region 1: Cape Cod Academy, Osterville

Region 2: Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro

Region 3: Marshfield High School

Region 4: Wayland High School

Region 5: Sharon High School

Region 6: Franklin High School

Region 7: The Winsor School, Boston

Region 8: Maimonides School, Brookline

Region 9: Winthrop Sr. High School

Region 10: Marblehead High School

Region 11: Lexington High School

Region 12: Chelmsford High School, North Chelmsford

Region 13: Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, Devens

Region 14: Holy Name Central Catholic High School, Worcester

Region 15: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School, South Hadley

Region 16: Southwick-Tolland Regional High School