- How do I join the team?
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To join the team, students first need to try out for it. Tryouts are held at the end of each semester. Once a student has been accepted into the Mock Trial Program, he or she will be eligible to enroll in either CRJ 340 (Trial Advocacy) or CRJ 341 (Trial Advocacy II - Mock Trial Competition). All students who participate on the Mock Trial Team must be enrolled in one of these 2 classes. The classes are repeatable, so students can participate for multiple semesters.
- How do mock trials work?
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Mock trials at the undergraduate intercollegiate level are conducted according to the rules established by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). In August, AMTA releases a packet of affidavits, law, rulings, case law, reports and exhibits that form the basis of the mock trials for the coming year. The case is civil in even years and criminal in odd years.
Each team of competitors prepares to do a mock trial based on the AMTA packet. Student attorneys and witnesses prepare opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations, closing arguments and objections to evidence. Teams compete against one another in front of neutral judges, usually members of the local legal community, and are scored by those judges. The team with a combination of the best record and toughest schedule is declared the winner. Individual awards are also given to outstanding attorneys and witnesses.
- Are there good classes to take to be a stronger Mock Trial attorney?
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Definitely! Many Mock Trial Team members are enrolled in Trial Advocacy (CRJ 340), because it focuses on trial advocacy techniques, and students’ participate in mock trials within the class itself. In addition, students often take Criminal Law (CRJ 130) and Criminal Evidence (225) first. The Criminal Justice Department also offers a class on Jury Decision-Making (CRJ 435). For information about these classes, please contact the Director of the Trial Advocacy Program.
Outside the Criminal Justice classes, courses in areas such as Communication, Philosophy, Theater, and Political Science can all be very helpful. Well-rounded people make excellent attorneys!
- What makes a good attorney?
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A good attorney is professional, organized, prepared, knowledgeable about the rules of evidence, and able to articulate his or her position in a clear and concise way. Attorneys are strong communicators, who are able to take a multitude of facts and distill them into a concentrated dose of powerful storytelling.
- Is the Mock Trial Team only for people who want to go to law school?
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Many Mock Trial Team members do not want to go on to law school, and are participating just because they enjoy the experience. The Trial Team offers a fun and challenging opportunity to develop and refine your communication and leadership skills, which are very valuable attributes regardless of the career you pursue.
- Do I have to be a Criminal Justice major?
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Students from all majors are welcome to join the mock trial team! Please contact the Mock Trial Team Head Coach for more information about trying out for the team.