Mock trial is a student team that travels all over the country to compete at tournaments against other colleges and universities. We compete against teams of other students in trial simulations, which are presided over by attorneys, judges, and members of the legal community.
Students compete at tournaments in teams of six in a simulated court case. One university's team plays the role of prosecution (or plaintiff), and the other university's team plays the role of defense. At tournaments, we represent both the prosecution/plaintiff and the defense.
Mock trial combines elements of public speaking, law, and theater. In each round, three members of the team act as attorneys and must deliver opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, enter evidence, make objections, and deliver closing arguments.
The other three members of the team play witnesses. They testify in the case and must answer the questions that the attorneys from their own team ask as well as questions from the other university's attorneys.
Almost all of our members play roles as both attorneys and witnesses, and they usually find it difficult to pick which role they enjoy more!
Any University of Colorado undergraduate student can join CU mock trial. Students who would like to improve their public speaking ability, are interested in law school, or would like to meet new and interesting people should join. Many students who are not planning on law school enjoy participating in mock trial as well.
Mock trial is also a great way to make friends that you might not otherwise meet. Our members are diverse and demonstrate a wide range of interests, come from a variety of majors, and are probably the most interesting, funny, and strange people on campus.
We offer students a great educational opportunity and the chance to participate in a fun, intellectually challenging activity. Above all, the CU mock trial team focuses on having fun.
We encourage applicants of any age and any major to join. We do not require previous experience in mock trial or public speaking, and we accept new freshmen as well as new seniors.
For more information about joining the CU mock trial team, look at the joining page.
Mock trial is a year-long commitment. Our season begins in October and can end as late as April.
Our meetings are from 6 to 8 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays every week. In addition to that, team members are expected to prepare some of their own case materials outside of meetings. We attend four to six tournaments per year, which usually begin Friday morning and end Saturday evening (and we travel to/from tournaments on Thursday and Sunday).
In general, students should expect to spend 5-15 hours per week on mock trial. More time may be required during tournament weeks.
We receive funding for most of our travel expenses (gas, airfare, and hotels), tournament fees, and supplies. Students can expect to spend money on food at tournaments, on office supplies (pens and paper), and on clothing (a suit is required).
Thank you for visiting CU Mock Trial! To learn more about our program, ask a question, support us with a donation,
or report errors on this page, please e-mail us at comocktrial@gmail.com.