Mock Trial FAQs

What exactly is Mock Trial?
Its simple actually, lets imagine a real trial: there is a jury, a judge, witnesses, and prosecution and defense attorneys. Now turn that into a competition! It simulates a courtroom trial where members take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, presenting a fictional legal case. Teams prepare both sides of the case—prosecution/plaintiff and defense—and compete in rounds judged by legal professionals or experienced evaluators. We travel the nation to compete with other universities in order to showcase our advocacy skills, challenge ourselves against top talent, and pursue excellence in the courtroom. The goal is to develop students’ critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills in a competitive, academic setting.

Can I do Mock Trial if I have no previous experience with Mock Trial?
Absolutely yes! While some students join us with years of high school experience in mock trial, many come to us with no experience at all. Previous mock trial experience is not a prerequisite. In fact, many of our most successful competitors came to Texas A&M without any previous experience. Don’t worry, we will teach you everything you need to know about the fundamentals of mock trial and how to be a competitive mocker!

Do I need to be “Pre-Law” to excel at Mock Trial?
Of course not. Many of our competitors have been pre-med, engineering, liberal arts, mathematics and more! They join mock trial to make friends, gain public speaking experience, or to compete. Historically, some of our most successful competitors had absolutely no interest in law school – they just loved the activity. Of course, students interested in law are encouraged to try out, but so are students interested in public speaking, debate, and theater. We are looking for students of all years and interests.

What is the time commitment for Mock Trial?
Mock Trial IS a time commitment, but a very managable one. Many of our members work multiple jobs, are active in other orgs, and maintain good grades while still being excellent competitors! Students are expected to attend the team’s regular practices, held Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM. In addition to regularly scheduled practices, we encourage members to work on learning the fundamentals of mock trial and the case packet outside of regularly scheduled practices each week in addition to preparing upcoming competition materials. Students can expect to travel for competition anywhere between 2-3 weekends a semester. All of the competition weekend dates will be available upon applying for mock trial, and you will be given a calendar at the first meeting with most of the dates for the semester, including extra practices. Mock trial is certianly time consuming, but there are many people and resources available to you for help and to make it fun and enjoyable!

How competitive is it to get into the org?
Mock Trial is a highly competitive org with around 100-150 applicants applying each year and only 10-20% of them making the final team.  Due to the high level of competition we strive for in mock trial, we require all students, including returning members of mock trial, to participate in an audition and interview each school year. It consists of a short speech and cross examination followed by questions to get to know you. We hold auditions every September and membership lasts the entire school year (Fall - Spring semesters). Don't let that scare you away, because Auditioning can be fun and extremely rewarding. If you are interested in joining mock trial or have any questions about auditions, check back around September, or contact us!
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Where do you compete?
We typically compete at universities all around Texas, but Mock Trial competitions can also take place all over the country. Historically, Texas A&M Mock Trial has sent teams to Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Florida each year. In the past three years, Texas A&M Mock Trial has additionally sent qualified teams to the Opening Round Championships (ORC’s) in Memphis, Tennessee and Santa Monica, California.  We also competed at the National Championship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2019. Cost of travel is all included in the Dues!

How much does it cost to be in Mock Trial
Typically dues are around $350 for the full competitive year, this covers travel costs, registration for competitions, socials, t-shirts, case materials, and more! The cost of being in the org SHOULD NEVER deter you from trying out, we are commited to working with members to create a cost effective plan that ensures each and every member has the financial accessability to compete. There are multiple plans for students that can't afford the dues to be apart of mock trial, for more information about this email: tamumocktrial@gmail.com or our treasurer: jakobzertuche@tamu.edu

Where do I submit my application?
Its simple actually! Click the recruitment tab on our website, and email your completed application with the appropriate documents attached to applications.tamumocktrial@gmail.com!

More information?
Check out AMTA’s (American Mock Trial Association) website and learn all about past cases, results, and tournaments: http://www.collegemocktrial.org/