Canton High Team Competing in Mock Trial Contest

is among more than 100 schools statewide competing in the 27th annual Mock Trial Program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association.

The contest starts with preliminary trials today. The state championship is March 23 in the Great Hall at Boston's Faneuil Hall, according to the association.

Students will square off in a simulated courtroom, with more than 100 lawyers volunteering as coaches and judges, the association said.

"This year's civil case explores the level of legal responsibility high school teachers' bear in identifying and preventing bullying among students," the association said.

"This timely topic illustrates the challenging intersection between law and social policy."

The 2011 state champion, the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School of South Hadley, finished 31st in the national tournament, the association said.

Local high schools competing are: , Bishop Feehan, Canton, Dover-Sherborn, Franklin, Mansfield and Oliver Ames.