About MMT

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

What Makes Us Unique

Unlike most other university teams, Michigan Mock Trial is an entirely student run program. This means that the students take a central role in planning and implementing the competitive season, where returning members pass on their knowledge to new members. In doing so, we determine case theory and legal arguments independent of faculty advisors or attorney coaches. We also run our own practices and handle our own finances.

Michigan Mock Trial is a highly competitive program with three competitive teams. Our team has traveled to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, and many more amazing cities. MMT is also a social organization, leading to lifelong friendships and activities outside of the actual mock trial competition.

To view our Maize Pages: click here

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to have previous mock trial experience to join?

Nope! Our team is a mix of people who've done mock trial, who did adjacent activities like speech, debate, and theatre, AND students who have never done any of those. Past experience is not taken into account during your try-out for the team.

How much of a time commitment is mock trial?

Schedules vary throughout the year, but you will generally be meeting with your team about 2-3 times a week for a couple of hours per meeting. In the winter, you'll likely meet with your team more than that. Amongst this, we have about 5 weekends throughout the year where you will be traveling to different cities and states for tournaments.

What are you looking for in tryouts?

We want to see that you are dedicated to presenting a good tryout and that you will fit in well with our team. We value people that can communicate in a very personable manner and who can think on their feet.

For attorneys specifically: we want to see that you can analyze a case and present logical arguments. We also want to see that you have poise and confidence when you present arguments.

For witnesses: we want to see that you have charisma and can entertain us with a fun or dramatic story. We want to see improvisational skills and an ability to stay constant with your character when asked questions you may not be prepared for.