Prospective Members

What is Mock Trial?
Mock trial is a national competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Each year, AMTA releases a new case, either criminal or civil. Each case contains statements from various witnesses. For example, in a murder case, the witness statements could include a crime scene investigator, a psychologist, or a janitor who was on the scene of the crime. At the tournaments, the prosecution of one school faces the defense of another school. Each side has three attorneys and presents three witnesses. There are opening and closing statements, direct examinations, and cross examinations.

 What skills does Mock Trial use?
Mock trial is essentially competitive acting in a legal setting. You do not need any prior mock trial experience to succeed on the team. In fact, most of our members began doing mock trial in college. Attorneys must be able to think on their feet, deliver convincing arguments, and give speeches. Being a witness, however, is very different. Being a witness is all about acting. In each trial, the witnesses play a variety of roles. Some are very serious and others are very funny. Witnesses portray these roles like actors would in a play. Some witnesses also do accents or wear costumes. If you love acting, can do a great accent, or just enjoy being the center of attention, joining the mock trial team is the perfect way to put all of those skills in a competitive environment.

 What is Mock Trial like at Yale?
The Yale Mock Trial Association is one of the most competitive programs in the country. We received a 7th place trophy at the 2009 AMTA National Championship. The YMTA has over 30 members. The association splits into 4-5 teams of six to eight people. Throughout the year, these teams compete at different tournaments across the country. Since different people have different levels of commitment to the association, the teams are run very differently. Some of the teams practice many times a week and compete almost every weekend, whereas some teams practice only about once a week and compete in a couple tournaments per semester. There is a level of commitment for everyone. The tournaments typically last two days, usually Saturday and Sunday. Most tournaments are within driving distance, though we fly to some. This is a map of tournaments we will attend this year or have attended in the past.

How do I join the team?
We will have auditions in September. Before auditions, there will be a few informational meetings. If you're sure you want to audition, or if you simply want to learn more, please fill out the form below so we can email you more information.