What is "Mock Trial?"
The Mock Trial Team at The University of Michigan competes with the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), which governs collegiate mock trial. Mock trial is a simulation of a court case and trial.
In competition, one university’s plaintiff or prosecution competes against another university’s defense, and vice versa. Mock trial helps to develop communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Members of a mock trial team also learn real courtroom procedure and become experts in the Federal Rules of Evidence. During a round, each side presents an opening statement, three witnesses, and a closing argument during the three hour trial. We are judged by a variety of volunteers, from local attorneys to federal judges. The fall is dedicated primarily to becoming familiar with the case material and witnesses, reviewing mock trial etiquette and participating in invitational tournaments around the nation. In February, Regional Tournaments are held with roughly twenty teams per tournament competing for bids to the National Championship Tournament hosted by AMTA. A total of forty-eight teams from around the country compete at the National Championship Tournament in April. The 48 teams are divided into two fields of 24 teams. Each team competes in four power-matched rounds. The top team in each field competes in the final round to determine the National Champion. To learn more about Mock Trial in general: click here |