What is Mock Trial?
Mock trial is an intercollegiate competitive activity that simulates a trial in court. Each year, nearly 500 colleges and universities across the country receive case material from AMTA (the American Mock Trial Association), alternating between criminal and civil cases. Each school prepares its own witnesses and attorneys, and then presents their case against other schools in front of judges who score every aspect of the presentation and determine the winner.
The witnesses answer questions in direct and cross examinations while maintaining the character they develop; the attorneys deliver opening statements and summations, make objections, and conduct the examinations. It’s a public speaking activity (with some law components) that requires thinking on your feet and an ability to improvise. Because it encompasses so many things, it’s a great activity for students who are not only interested in law but in theater, debate and much more.
Why Rider Mock Trial?
Rider Mock Trial (RMT) is a brand-new student activity, starting competition in the 2022-23 academic year. It combines intelligence, fun, camaraderie, and hard work with the goal of creating the most successful program possible. The challenge of mock trial is responding in-round to unknown factors with poise and confidence. RMT is a unique activity in part because the skills you learn in mock trial go beyond the courtroom.
Public speaking skills, combined with building confidence and adaptability, are not only applicable to the courtroom. This activity hones the best parts of communication in ways that benefit your academic career, personal life, and professional relationships. While winning is certainly among the highest of our priorities, RMT is a team before anything else. Through weekly practices and road trips to tournaments, you become very close to the people around you and build long-lasting friendships with your teammates.