Fake Law
Real Fun!
A BRIEF SUMMARY...
Mock Trial is just what it sounds like: fake trial. Teams analyze extensive facts and evidence concerning a criminal or civil case and use it to craft a court case that includes opening statements, witness examinations, witness portrayals, and closing arguments. Meanwhile, across the nation, hundreds of other teams are doing the exact same thing for the same case. Teams then travel to try their cases against other teams in front of "judges" and "jurors."
CAN YOU GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE?
The 2022-2023 case was a civil case where a flight company, Koller Campbell Air, was sued after one of their pilots and a passenger died in a crash. One side argued the company was responsible and the other argued they weren't. Teams used theories ranging from engine failure to pilot stroke to stray fireworks in their arguments! We brought this case to life with lively witnesses, questions, and legal arguments.
Team captains accepting a trophy!
The American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) distributes all case materials to its members annually and control the national competition bracket. Check out the AMTA website for more information!
WHAT ARE COMPETITIONS LIKE?
The larger team splits into “mini-teams” of 6-8 people. After weeks of prep, we travel together to schools all over the east coast and try our case against other teams. At each competition, teams perform in 4 rounds: two defense, two prosecution/ plaintiff, and try to score more points than the other team. Competitions are about more than just mock! Teams have been known to host game and movie nights, make s'mores, bake together, and bond throughout the weekend!
Past destinations include University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Yale University. Each season ends with the national championship series, beginning with Regionals. Should a team make it past Regionals, they move on to the Open Round Championship Series (ORCS), and then hopefully to Nationals!
A team in Washington DC after competing
WHO CAN DO MOCK?
Are you:
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full of creative ideas?
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interested in public speaking?
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someone who likes learning?
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preparing for a future in a law profession?
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down for some road trips?
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a believer in justice?
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a W&M student?
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a team player?
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someone looking to make more friends?