The Roles

Witnesses

In each mock trial round, both Plaintiff/Prosecution and Defense are required to call three witnesses each, who testify for their respective sides before being cross-examined by the opposing side. But unlike in a real trial, Mock Trial witnesses are interpreted to strengthen a team’s strategy. Witnessing is acting, writing, and legal strategy all at once. Generally, mock trial witnesses fall into three categories: characters, experts, and sympathy. Character witnesses are often the most creative and entertaining, ranging from completely absurd, comedic personalities to serious figures, all designed to make the round more memorable and persuasive. Expert witnesses, including investigators, doctors, forensic analysts, psychologists, or other specialists, help explain evidence and provide credibility to a side’s case. Sympathy witnesses, meanwhile, are designed to emotionally connect with the jury through vulnerability, hardship, or personal stakes in the case. Not everyone in a mock trial wants to be a litigator (though those who do often make fantastic witnesses), and portraying a witness offers a unique outlet for acting, improvisation, and character design within a courtroom setting. Please view the “Examples” page to see what a Direct and Cross Examination can look like.

Attorneys

A bench consists of three attorneys. Traditionally, one opens, and another closes, and each attorney directs and cross-examines a witness. Attorneys study the rules of evidence and learn to argue and apply them in objection battles. They gain insight not only from their coaches, but also from mock trial judges, who are often retired or practicing attorneys and judges. Beyond the courtroom, competitors must prepare for trial by developing case theories and writing speeches and examinations for each witness, as teams must be prepared to argue both Plaintiff/Prosecution (in a civil or criminal case, respectively) and Defense, using the same facts and case materials provided by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Though different, the role of an attorney is just as creative as that of a witness. Attorneys have the opportunity to bring their own style and flair to the courtroom while employing rhetoric and carefully designed case theory to advance their arguments.