Mock Trial is an intercollegiate competition among schools who are members of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), founded in 1985. Today, over 350 schools nationwide are members of AMTA, with over 700 teams competing every year. Northwestern has finished in the top 10 of those 700 teams for the past two years.
At the beginning of each year, teams are given a fictional legal case, complete with witness affidavits and applicable case law. Mock Trial uses the Federal Rules of Evidence. The case can be either criminal or civil, alternating each year. This variation gives students insights into two different fields of law. As with any legal case, there is a prosecution (or, in a civil case, a plaintiff) and a defense. Students from one member school represent one side and compete against students from another school who present the opposing side.
Mock trial is a creative outlet for anyone interested in public speaking, critical thinking, acting, and so much more -- regardless of career interests! It allows students the opportunity to learn how to construct speeches, showcase and improve their public speaking skills in front of real-life judges and attorneys, and perform as a variety of different characters in a unique performance setting.