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Q: What is Mock Trial?
A: Mock Trial is a competitive activity designed to teach
students courtroom and trial techniques used in litigation. Each
year, the American Mock Trial Association creates a fictitious case for
undergraduate institutions to prepare for competition. It is from
this case that students assume roles of attorneys and/or witnesses and
compete in a "mock" trial moderated by judges. Through this
hands-on experience, students gain a vivid picture of typical trial
protocol, stages, and techniques. Students are critiqued based on
their understanding and practice of standard forms of litigation, such as
opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, objections,
and closing arguments.
Q: Why participate in Mock Trial?
A: Participation in mock trial provides students with a
unique way to improve their understanding of the court system, trial
techniques, and argumentation. More importantly, mock trial improves
students' ability to think critically, argue effectively, present ideas
clearly, and adapt quickly. The experience that mock trial offers
students is as equally valuable as the skills and knowledge they
gain. By working with a team of highly-motivated and hard-working
individuals, students build unique relationships and friendships that could
not be formed in a less intense environment.
Although students from a wide-range of disciplines actively participate in
mock trial, the experience is especially beneficial to those students
interested in attending law school. Most law school admission counselors
recognize a student's participation in mock trial as a substantial
commitment to legal education. Furthermore, students with a mock
trial background gain an advantage in law school because the skills
emphasized in mock trial are the same skills that second-year law students
study in a Trial Advocacy class.
Finally, and most importantly, competitions are A LOT OF FUN!!!
Q: What are the requirements to join the UIC Mock Trial Team?
A: There are no "concrete" requirements to apply.
The UIC Mock Trial Team strongly encourages students from all disciplines
and diverse backgrounds to try out. Early each fall semester,
interested students may attend informational sessions where they can pick
up an application and sign up for an interview. However, sought-out
applicants generally have a willingness to work hard, a passion to learn,
and a desire to succeed.
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