Mock Trial is a team-based speech competition that is practiced at every educational level, from middle school to graduate school. Participants in collegiate Mock Trial assume the roles of both attorneys and witnesses and compete against other schools around the country in a simulation of a criminal or civil trial. In Mock Trial, teams simulate a real trial, which requires them to interpret legal cases, think analytically, speak persuasively, and portray witnesses compellingly.
To prepare for tournaments, team members develop case theories, practice speeches, prepare direct and cross-examinations, and develop witness characters. We are an entirely student-run organization. We are one of the few Mock Trial teams in the country that is student-run, creating great learning opportunities and real-life experience in many different aspects of running an organization. As a student-run program, we must fund our own food expenses as well as many travel expenses. We are looking for your help to ease the burden on our members and continue our great program.
Mock Trial at UMass Amherst adds two extra elements to speaking, debating, and acting: winning and having fun. We’re one of the closest groups of friends on campus. UMAMT is more than just another club: we're a family of individuals who love what we do. The goal is to have fun working together, to make lifelong friends, and to learn the true meaning of hard work on our pursuit to a National Championship. We are coming off of our most successful season in program history and look to progress even further next year with your help!