What is Mock Trial?
Mock Trial is a competition where teams face off on opposite sides of a “case” to conduct a trial. In a civil case, one team argues for the plaintiff, the other for defense. In a criminal case, one team represents the State (the prosecution), while the other team represents the defense. Generally, other team members play the witnesses, although in some competitions professionals (like doctors in a medical malpractice case) are brought in to play some witnesses. In Mock Trial, teams make an opening statement, call friendly witnesses for direct examination, cross examine hostile witnesses called by the other team, and deliver a closing argument. They introduce evidence and may use demonstrative enlargements of evidence. A judge presides to control the trial and rule on evidentiary objections, and there is a jury present. Usually, the judge and jury score teams to decide which team wins.
