What is mock trial? Basically, mock trial is a fake trial. Each year, the American Mock Trial Association releases a case— someone is suing a company for negligence, someone is on trial for murder, etc. The case has witness statements, evidence exhibits, and case law. Students then play the parts of both witnesses and attorneys and come up with a strategy to win the case. They face off against other schools as both the prosecution and defense in front of lawyers and judges, in order to win ballots.
What’s Duke Mock Trial like? Duke Mock Trial is one of the most successful programs in AMTA (and the 2012 national champions!)-- but more importantly, a tight-knit group of individuals who love hanging out with each other. We work hard to develop our skills and win trials, but we also become fast friends-- from tenting for the UNC game or hanging out in the Duke Gardens on LDOC, you can always find Duke Mock Trialers together!
I’ve never done mock trial before/don’t want to be a lawyer. I guess mock trial isn’t for me? Nope! Many of our team members have never participated in mock trial before coming to Duke, and study everything from engineering to economics. We actively recruit anyone with an interest in not just the law but acting, public speaking, debating and more.
Hmm, maybe it is for me. How do I join? We’ll be at the activities fair in the second week of school, and hold information sessions shortly thereafter. In the meantime, check this page at the start of school or contact Gabrielle Douglas to get added to our interest list. We accept first-year and second-year students who are interested!
