University of Washington Mock Trial
Welcome to the homepage for the Mock Trial Team at the University of Washington. Using the links above, you can learn more about UW's recent competitions, meet our members, and learn about how to join or donate to the program. To learn more about what mock trial is all about and the history of the club, continue reading below.
Who We Are
University of Washington Mock Trial is a student-run program composed of 6-10 person teams of undergraduate students. By portraying attorneys and witnesses, members immerse themselves in the legal system and put on full trials, from opening statements to closing arguments. The club is an active member of the American Mock Trial Association, the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial, and proudly represents the University of Washington at competitions across the country.
What We Do
Mock Trial is a team-based competition. At the college level, undergraduate students assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, dissect 100-page case binders, and prepare full trials to compete against other colleges and universities. A typical mock trial tournament consists of four rounds, during which two teams from two different schools put on a trial that is judged by law students, attorneys and/or real judges. A full team comprises 6-10 students, with competitors preparing opening statements, direct and cross examinations, closing arguments and witness portrayals.
Each year, the American Mock Trial Association publishes a case to be used by every collegiate team in the U.S. The cases alternate between civil and criminal proceedings, and each case embraces a relevant issue of law, complete with evidence rules and previous court rulings, to be synthesized, distilled and presented during team practices and competitive performances.
Each year, the American Mock Trial Association publishes a case to be used by every collegiate team in the U.S. The cases alternate between civil and criminal proceedings, and each case embraces a relevant issue of law, complete with evidence rules and previous court rulings, to be synthesized, distilled and presented during team practices and competitive performances.
How We've Done
Very well.
Despite the program's youth--UWMT began competing in 2007 compared to east-coast rivals that have been around since 1985--the Huskies have proudly established themselves as the premier program in the Pacific Northwest and a perennial national contender. Seven UW mockers have an all-american on their awards shelf and the program has advanced to the National Championship Tournament in four of the past seven seasons. in 2015, we captured a second place finish at the prestigious tournament, the best in program history. Our graduates have gone on to attend world-class law schools including Harvard, Virginia, Yale, and, of course, Washington; travel the world on Fulbright scholarships; and quickly establish professional careers.
To learn more about Washington's performances, check out the news page and visit the UWMT trophy case.
Despite the program's youth--UWMT began competing in 2007 compared to east-coast rivals that have been around since 1985--the Huskies have proudly established themselves as the premier program in the Pacific Northwest and a perennial national contender. Seven UW mockers have an all-american on their awards shelf and the program has advanced to the National Championship Tournament in four of the past seven seasons. in 2015, we captured a second place finish at the prestigious tournament, the best in program history. Our graduates have gone on to attend world-class law schools including Harvard, Virginia, Yale, and, of course, Washington; travel the world on Fulbright scholarships; and quickly establish professional careers.
To learn more about Washington's performances, check out the news page and visit the UWMT trophy case.