About NDMT.

What is Mock Trial?

Mock Trial is a competition and activity in which students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses to mimic a real trial, using a mock case. The team receives one case per academic year from the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) that alternates between a civil and criminal case every year. Teams compete against other team from across the country to showcase our knowledge and ability. 

what do you do?

We learn and argue the federal rules of evidence, accustom ourselves to courtroom procedure, perform oral argument. The members are split into separate teams, dividing everyone up into the roles of witnesses and attorneys and on the prosecution/plaintiff and defense sides. Using these roles, we then prepare two sides of the case for trials. We create direct and cross examinations, opening and closing statements, and almost everything else you can think of involving a real trial.

What is the best part?

  • "the teammates"

    "They are the best part of being in mock trial. They are so funny and helpful. It feels like I’ve truly found my community at ND.”

  • "The Memories"

    “When you graduate from mock trial, you can’t help but remember all the crazy stories of things that happen in competition, or the off the walls idea someone had that made us die laughing.”

  • "The winning"

    “Notre Dame does a lot of that. Trophies. Awards. And of course, beating our rivals. I never get tired of that.”

  • "The skills you gain"

    “I did mock trial in high school. But I never expected how much I would grow in mock trial. I’m a better speaker and student because of it.”

  • "the theatrics"

    “I don’t really want to go to law school. But through mock trial, I get to be creative. I can tell a dramatic monologue one day, or be a comedian the next. It’s like being in theater, but I’m the writer, director, and cast.”

  • "learning about the law"

    “The cases change every year and tackle every topic you can think of. We learn about civil and criminal procedure, the federal rules of evidence, tort law, criminal law, election law. I feel better prepared for law school because of mock trial.”