Mock Trial is a team-based competitive simulation of a courtroom trial. Participants in Collegiate Mock Trial assume the roles of both attorneys and witnesses, using critical thinking, public speaking skills, and a thorough knowledge of trial law to compete against other schools in full “mock” trials.

Most mock trial tournaments typically involve a series of trials. Each trial consists of two teams of six competing people, with one team representing the plaintiff or prosecution and one team representing the defense. Competitors perform opening statements, closing statements, and direct and cross examinations before a panel of scoring judges. Competition for the entire academic year revolves around a single civil or criminal case, which is released by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).

Princeton Mock Trial (PMT for short) is the top student-run program in the country. We have three teams that compete in the American Mock Trial Association’s collegiate circuit, and, though the teams compete individually, the mock trial program as a whole often works together through practices, scrimmages, and team bonding events to foster a truly unique family of teammates.

PMT boasts first place-finishes at invitational tournaments, countless individual awards, and multiple appearances at the National Championship tournament. In addition to competing, Princeton Mock Trial hosts a Training Seminar and Moot Court competition for high schoolers each year on Princeton’s campus. This allows us to help high school students develop their own debating and public speaking ability as well as their critical thinking skills and knowledge of the law.

Please contact mt@princeton.edu with any questions about Princeton Mock Trial, and stay up to date via our Instagram!