Teams 348 and 349 at 2009 Regional Tournament
What is Mock Trial?
Collegiate Mock Trial is a competitive activity designed to teach students courtroom and trial techniques used in litigation. Each year, the American Mock Trial Association creates a fictitious case for undergraduate institutions to prepare for competition on a national level. Through this hands-on experience, students gain a vivid picture of typical trial protocol, stages, and techniques. Students learn first hand about the work of trial attorneys; improve their understanding of the court system, trial techniques, and argumentation. More importantly, mock trial improves students' ability to think critically, argue effectively, present ideas clearly, and adapt quickly.
Why participate in Mock Trial?
By working with a team of highly-motivated and hard-working individuals, students build unique relationships and friendships that could not be formed in a less intense environment. Although students from a wide-range of disciplines actively participate in mock trial, the experience is especially beneficial to those students interested in attending law school. Most law school admission counselors recognize a student's participation in mock trial as a substantial commitment to legal education. Furthermore, students with a mock trial background gain an advantage in law school because the skills emphasized in mock trial are the same skills that second-year law students study in a Trial Advocacy class.
Finally, and most importantly, competitions are A LOT OF FUN!!!