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What is Mock Trial?
Mock Trial is an intercollegiate competition consisting of six-eight person teams carrying out the proceedings of a full trial in a three hour time period. Around late August, we will receive case materials containing relevant case law, evidence, depositions, and a case summary. From these materials, we construct separate plaintiff and defense cases for use in competitions. During a competition, each team will consist of three attorneys and three witnesses (whose characters will be taken from the case materials). It functions just like a real trial, with objections, evidentiary procedure, etc. The main difference is that it has time-constraints. The trial is not judged as a whole, instead, each part: each direct examination, each cross examination, closing, opening, etc. is scored separately on a scale from 1 to 10. The points are added up and the high score wins. Teams are power matched based on their record and students can earn awards to for individual performance. It is important to note that the winner is NOT always the one who would win the trial on the merits of the case. The main difference is that it has time-constraints. The trial is not judged as a whole, instead, each part: eah direct examination, each cross examination, closing, opening, etc. is scored separately on a scale from 1 to 10. The points are added up and the high score wins. Teams are power matched based on their record and students can earn awards to for individual performance. It is important to note that the winner is NOT always the one who would win the trial on the merits of the case.
Why KU Mock Trial?
By joining the KU Mock Trial program you will be becoming a part of proven excellence! The KU Mock Trial team was founded in 1997 and since then has earned a bid at the national tournament all years but one. The program has placed in the top ten teams at nationals for two of those years, and has received 7 “all american” awards at nationals in the past three years. The advanced team had a final record of 36-11-1 and the teams received a total of 18 individual awards at the tournaments they attended this year. The teams received a first place ranking at three tournaments this year out of nine attended. The KU Mock Trial program is very well respected on the national circuit for good reasons!
What is the time commitment like?
It is generally safest to say that mock trial carries the work load of a basic 100 level class. First semester is spent reading and learning the case material, preparing a case, learning evidentiary procedure, etc. There isn't any homework, per se, but members are expected to do work outside of practice. Second semester is spent practicing and attending the majority of our tournaments. For instance, the schedule last year was attending 3 tournaments in the first semester and 7 tournaments in the second semester and meeting every Thursday and Sunday night for practice.
Will I miss school?
Yes. currently we are hoping to go to between five and nine tournaments next year meaning that you will miss about 5-9 Fridays and probably about 5 or 6 Thursdays of class. Because this is a school-sponsored activity, you will be excused from class for all of the tournaments you attend. Most professors are fairly lenient on time missed but students are still held responsible for any work missed while away.
What about course credit and scholarships?
Currently there is no class credit offered for participating in mock trial as it is considered a completely extracurricular activity, though there are many noncredit benefits from being member of KU mock trial. You get a great reference and accomplishments for your applications and resumes, and you can network excellent connections from all across the nation through the program also. The program and university do not currently offer scholarships for mock trial.
Is college Mock Trial different from high school level Mock Trial?
Yes. College Mock Trial is similar in form to High School Mock Trial, but there are definite subtle differences. College Mock Trial’s rules are more intricate and detailed and there is always an element of surprise when calling witnesses. There are many other small changes, but the differences in the rules and performances are made to more accurately simulate a real courtroom setting and are all for the better.
Who should join KU Mock Trial?
As a student organization we are open to anyone who wants to participate. Any student is welcome to come to practice and give their input on the case. It does not matter if you do not have any previous experience with mock trial. Students with a background in debate, forensics, and mock trial have been just as successful as those with no experience at all. Both actors, speakers/lawyers, and people who are able to do both kinds of roles are needed. People who are willing to actively participate and commit to the team are desired, and all who are interested and who will be attending KU in the future are encouraged to participate!
Want more information?
For more general information on the team you can visit the web site at http://www.collegemocktrial.org. If you can’t find answers to your additional questions and concerns you can contact all of the following people for more help at kansasmocktrial@hotmail.com or contact the individuals via:
Coach,
Branden Bell
at
bellmale@gmail.com
President,
Taylor Wiles
at
rockchalk344@netscape.net
Vice President,
Brian Palmer
at
palmer40@hotmail.com