What is Mock Trial?

Each year, the American Mock Trial Association, known colloquially as AMTA, releases a set of case materials (either criminal or civil, alternating each year) that contains pieces of evidence, witness statements, and several other documents. Employing public speaking, argumentation, critical thinking, and acting skills, universities across the nation use these materials to build arguments on both sides of the case. After presenting them against other schools, judges, usually professionals in the legal field or former competitors, determine the winner based on each team’s performances. Throughout the year, our teams attend a series of invitational tournaments, including our own, in order to prepare for AMTA’s official tournament season. This begins with Regional Tournaments in February, where teams hope to advance from Regionals to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), and from ORCS to the National Championship Tournament.

Building a Legacy...

Though Indiana University has only competed in the American Mock Trial Association for twelve years, the program is quickly gaining a reputation as a fierce competitor. But we're just getting started.

Whether you’re looking for a competitive outlet or community of engaged and driven peers, Mock Trial at IU can help. Mock trial competitors exercise their critical thinking skills while tackling a new case each year. While mock trial is an obvious choice for those considering a future in the legal field, our program includes undergraduates who study everything from theater to business. We have members from across the country—different majors, different backgrounds, different experiences—all of whom contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment.

If you think you’d like to be a part of the legacy, let us know! Each year we hold competitive auditions in the fall. We’d love to give you more information, and we look forward to calling you a teammate.