Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is mock trial?
College mock trial is an academic competition where students simulate real courtroom trials by acting as attorneys and witnesses to argue fictional legal cases. It's public speaking and critical thinking, developing character portrayals, and delivering arguments before judges.
Q: What does competition season look like?
GSUMT competes in trials based off of cases created by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). In the fall we compete at invitational tournaments hosted by other universities. In the spring we compete at AMTA's regional tournaments, then Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), and then finally the National Championships if we qualify!
Being a Member
Q: How are teams structured?
GSUMT sends 3-4 teams to compete in various tournaments throughout the semester. There are 8-10 members in each team, led by a pair of co-captains.
In AMTA tournaments, there are 3 attorney roles and 3 witness roles on each side of the case (defense and plaintiff/prosecution). Members on each team are assigned 1-2 roles depending on the number of members in the team and the number of roles available.
Q: What is the time commitment?
Practices: Members are required to attend practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8:00 PM. During these practices, members meet to plan and run content in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
Tournaments: Each member will compete in tournaments during the semester. These tournaments typically fall on weekends, and members will be informed of the specific dates near the beginning of the semester. Excuse letters from the coaches of the program will be available as needed.
Scrimmages: We also schedule scrimmages (practice matches) throughout the year, both internally and with other schools. Most scrimmages will be scheduled during practice times, and members will be notified in advance of specific dates.
On top of these explicit time commitments, GSUMT members will also be encouraged to study and learn the case material and rules of evidence on their own time.
Q: How much are dues
Travel is one of the most fun parts of mock trial! However, in order to travel we will need dues. The exact amount is still TBD but the current estimate is around $50 a semester.
Joining the team
Q: How do I join?
Come to one of our interest meetings, either online or in person, then try out for our team!
Q: What do tryouts look like????
If you're scared don't be (take a deep breath, please). Our tryout process is pretty straightforward, we give you a small excerpt of the case from the current year and ask you to form an argument based off of that and deliver it in front of a table of our coaches and some of our board. In these tryouts we're just looking for speaking skills and commitment to the program.
Q: But I don't have any mock trial experience??
So what??? Mock Trial is not just for pre-law students; it's for anyone looking to gain a meaningful experience in college. If you love to argue, have any experience in public speaking, are a recovering theater kid, or are just looking for a good time, then Georgia State Mock Trial could be for you!