What is Mock Trial?

Mock Trial is a competitive academic simulation that mimics a real court case. Teams prepare opening and closing statements and lines of questioning to deliver to witnesses. Each team is made up of three to six attorneys and three witnesses - this is a team based competition. Interjecting elements of law, debate, theatre, and competition!

SJSU's Mock Trial team competes under AMTA, or The American Mock Trial Association. This organization governs competition at the collegiate level. It is composed of over 300 schools across the country, with each school trying a legal case given by AMTA each year.

The Roles of Mock Trial

WITNESS
Do you enjoy acting? Practicing accents? Playing a whole different persona? Then being a witness sounds for you! SJSU Mock Trial witnesses hold major leverage to team scores and making sure the jury/judge is relayed all the correct information of the case. While also getting in touch with your creative side, bringing the case to life. Witnesses can range from comedic relief to sympathetic defendants. Giving you the chance of winnings honorary witness awards at competitions. 
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ATTORNEY
Do you enjoy practicing your argumentation skills? Telling a story with your words? Quick thinking? Then being an attorney sounds for you! As an SJSU Mock Trial Attorney you have a responsibility of presenting crucial information to a judge and jury in a professional and concise manner. You also hold the responsibility of directing and crossing witnesses on the stand. While bringing the chance of earning recognitions and awards at competitions.   
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