What would I be doing in mock trial?

At meetings, we prepare for competition by learning legal definitions and case law, developing case theory, and writing and practicing witness examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments.

At competitions, we work in teams to compete both sides of the annual AMTA case against other schools across the US.

What will I gain from being in the program?

As a member of UI mock trial, you will: gain public speaking skills, think critically and creatively, learn about the law, travel the country, network within the legal feild, win awards, and make friends!

Who can join?

Any enrolled undergraduate student! Our current members have courses of study that span career fields including business, engineering, english, international studies, creative writing, and education. More than half of our current members had no mock trial experience when they first joined.

What is the time commitment?

Mock Trial is a significant time commitment. We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-9:30pm. We also travel 4-5 per year to academic competitions. Competitions span all day on Saturday and Sundays.

How competitive is the organization?

UI Mock Trial is a nationally competitive program, and we like to win! We boast an impressive 19 appearances at the national championship, the highest level of competition in the country. We are currently ranked 25th in the nation by the American Mock Trial Association. In order to achieve that kind of success, our members devote a lot of time to becoming better competitors.