Mock trial simulates real trials, giving students the opportunity to explore the legal world during their undergraduate studies. Students can compete as an attorney and witness, experiencing trial from a brand new perspective.
Students compete against schools from across the United States, all while learning advocacy strategies and the complexities of the legal system. Whether forming authentic witness characterizations or performing objection battles, competitors are able to build upon professional legal skills and prepare for their future careers with the help of mock trial.
You don’t have to be interested in law to join; our competitors’ studies vary from electrical engineering to dance. SDMT benefits from our diverse community of future lawyers, scientists, and artists. The only thing you need to compete with our program is a determination to succeed and work hard.
How the Round works
Sun Devil Mock Trial competes in trials across the United States, but all rounds remain the same. A “round” is a competitive session in mock trial. During rounds, teams of three attorneys and three witnesses go head to head against another team, fighting for points on a ballot that the judge scores. Witnesses perform, build their team’s theory, and hold their ground on cross examination. Attorneys object, give statements, and bring the evidence together.
Each piece of content is scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with the side with the most points winning the round. Every point matters in mock trial; rounds are often decided by a point difference of 2 to 3. After one round is finished, the next begins. There are four rounds at every competition, meaning a team’s Plaintiff and Defense each compete twice.
Sun Devil Mock Trial 