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 people, with one team representing the plaintiff or prosecution and one team representing the defense. Competitors take the roles of witnesses and attorneys, performing 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 a highly competitive program. Our teams consistently qualify out of both AMTA Regional Championships and the Opening Round Championship Series to compete in the National Tournament each year against the best teams in the nation. In addition to competing, Princeton Mock Trial hosts two, widely-attended Moot Court competitions each year for local high schools. 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 constitutional law.

Princeton Mock Trial has three teams that compete in invitational and official AMTA tournaments. They are named with their AMTA team numbers. 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.

Please contact mt@princeton.edu with any questions about Princeton Mock Trial.