The Yale College Mock Trial Association is a competitive organization that seeks to promote the ideals of law and the judicial system through participation in intercollegiate mock trial competition. The YMTA was founded in 1994 and has enjoyed remarkable success for such a young program. In the 2006-2007 season, the YMTA competed at both the National Tournament and the National Championship tournament, taking 3rd and 8th place at those tournaments respectively, ranking the YMTA as one of the top programs in the country for the 2007-2008 season.

The YMTA is made up of five teams. Members of those teams play the roles of attorneys and witnesses in acting out a criminal or civil case written by the American Mock Trial Association. It's similar to acting, but not as easy. Witnesses develop and prepare their characters from 2-3 page affidavits and work closely with attorneys on their team to develop their testimony for trial. Attorneys prepare opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross examinations of witnesses. The mark of a good team is their ability to respond to the trial at hand and alter their case theory to win over the judges and win the trial. This on-your-feet thinking is what distinguishes mocking from acting.

Many students join the YMTA because they are considering a career in law, but others participate because of an interest in public speaking, acting or simply because they enjoy the thrill of competition and the camaraderie that develops among team members. About half of our members have participated in mock trial programs in high school, while the other half have had no previous mock trial experience or training. The only experience required is dedication and willingness to learn.

Each year, all Yale teams compete in invitational and regional competitions against teams such as UVA, Harvard, GWU, Columbia, NYU and Princeton, and up to two teams may qualify to go on to the National Championship tournament. In addition to these AMTA-sponsored competitions, the YMTA hosts an annual collegiate Invitational Tournament – the largest of its kind in the country – as well as an high school Invitational Tournament in the spring semester.