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Written by Stephen M. Gross
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Tuesday, 15 January 2008 11:19 |
When preparing for a career in law, gaining as much real world experience as possible can help during and after law school. Many law schools have mock trial programs that use real cases to help students become better public speakers by teaching them how to properly articulate an argument during a trial. Mock trial can also teach students how to improve their problem-solving skills and teach them how to work as a team.
Even if your goal isn't to become a trial attorney, the experience gained by participating in mock trial can improve your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You will also meet other students and form life long bonds that can help throughout your career.
What is Mock Trial?
Mock trial programs help students improve their oratory skills, research skills, and analytical skills by recreating the trial experience using real civil and criminal cases. Because most mock trial teams participate in regional and national mock trial competitions, practice sessions and dress rehearsals are a necessary part of the program.
During practice sessions, or scrimmages, participants are separated into two teams - one assumes the role of the prosecution, while the other plays the role of the defense. Depending on the number of members, each team will have two or three attorneys and two or three witnesses. Those not trying a case will be used as jurors, witnesses, judges, and other courtroom officials. If the group doesn't have enough people to fill these roles, professors and under graduate students may participate as well.
Many high schools have mock trial teams that are similar to those found in law school, so if you participated in mock trial in high school, you'll find it is very similar.
How is a Mock Trial Competition Conducted?
Mock trial competitions are conducted the same way a real trial is conducted. Even though real cases are used during competitions, the outcomes of these cases are not given to team members as the objective is not to argue favorably or unfavorably for the actual outcome, but to test each team's knowledge of courtroom procedure, strategies when presenting a case, witness interrogation, and their overall preparedness for the trial.
When mock trial teams are competing against each other in regional or national competitions, they will be given case materials a few months in advance of the competition date. Materials for the prosecution and defense are provided so teams can practice against each other before going against another team.
After a trial is over winning teams may receive an award, but the real prize is having won the competition.
Mock Trial Workshops and Seminars
In addition to gaining courtroom experience, many mock trials programs also offer students the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars in order to further their education and build their confidence. Seminars may include guest lecturers such as local trial attorneys, judges, and visiting professors and legal analysts. You can gain a lot of insight when listening to those who have built a successful law career in the courtroom.
Workshops are helpful to students who want to improve their courtroom skills. With specialized lectures on witness interrogation, cross-examination, and effectively presenting an argument through taped role playing exercises, these workshops can help you identify what you're doing right and areas that need improvement.
How to Join a Mock Trial Program
Most mock trial programs require you to audition by writing an opening or closing argument that you present to the officers of the program. If you're a first year law student, you should consider mock trial because of the many different roles you will be able to fill. Since most mock trial programs don't allow first year students to travel to competitions, you can still learn a lot about the process by playing a witness or a juror.
You will be able to enter competitions in your third year of law school. Learn more about the rules concerning eligibility by contacting the mock trial program at your school.
Fitting Mock Trial into Your Busy Schedule
Because law school can be exhausting, adding an activity such as mock trial to your busy schedule may seem unrealistic, but if you can set aside a few hours a week for meetings, seminars, and practice sessions, you will benefit from it in many ways. Not only will you be able to put what you've learned into practice, you will also build your confidence by learning how to become a more competent trial attorney.
Before joining a mock trial program, take a look at your schedule to see if you will be able to devote time to this activity. If you have an internship or you're struggling with a certain course, you may want to wait until your schedule isn't as hectic. But if you've been looking for a way to become more involved in the law program, mock trial is one option you should consider.
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