Prospective Members - Yale Mock Trial Association

Prospective Members

What is Mock Trial?

Mock trial is a national competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Each year, AMTA releases a new case. This case contains statements from various witnesses. For example, in a murder trial, the witness statements could include a crime scene investigator, or a friend of the murderer, or a janitor who was on the scene of the crime. You then prepare the witnesses and the arguments for both sides of the case. At the tournaments, the prosecution of one school faces the defense of another school. There are opening and closing statements, direct examinations, and cross examinations that are all scored by judges.

What skills does Mock Trial use?

Mock trial is essentially competitive acting in a legal setting. You do not need any prior mock trial experience. Attorneys must be able to think on their feet, deliver convincing arguments, and give speeches. Being a witness, however, is very different. Being a witness is all about acting. Some are very serious and others are very funny. Witnesses portray these roles like actors would in a play, often doing accents or wearing costumes. If you love acting, can do a great accent, or just enjoy being the center of attention, joining the mock trial team is the perfect way to put all of those skills in a competitive environment.

What is Mock Trial like at Yale?

The Yale Mock Trial Association is one of the most competitive programs in the country. We received a 7th place trophy at the 2009 AMTA National Championship. The association splits into 4-5 teams of six to eight people. Throughout the year, these teams compete at different tournaments across the country. Since different people have different levels of commitment to the association, the teams are run very differently. Some teams practice many times a week, but some teams practice only once a week. There is a level of commitment for everyone. The tournaments typically last two days, usually Saturday and Sunday. Most tournaments are within driving distance, though we fly to some. This is a map of tournaments we will attend this year or have attended in the past.

How do I join the team?
We will have auditions in September. Before auditions, there will be a few informational meetings. If you'd like more info, please fill out the form at the top of this page.