Mock Trial for Dummies: Chapter One

Finally, commitment is an absolute must on a Mock Trial team. Many people join a team just to quit later on. It is very frustrating for a team and the coaches to have a person quit only weeks before a tournament. It is then up to them to come up with a different plan to make up for the empty spot. They will either bring a new person in who has to memorize your material or they will use a person from another team at the tournament. If you must quit, try and quit after a tournament. However, if you believe that your health, education, or any other personal reason is being affected and you must quit immediately, your team and coaches will understand.

So, if you still want to be on a Mock Trial team, you first need to find one. Most, if not all, schools will have a Mock Trial team. Sometimes though, you may have to do a little digging. Some schools have very small and obscure teams that students and faculty barely pay attention to. Ask around or go to your school’s main office and ask for information about Mock Trial. If it turns out that your school does not have a Mock Trial team, talk to your principal or dean. Start a team yourself! Many teachers are very supportive of new clubs. Just find some friends who are interested in joining and talk with some teachers to get started. You’ll need to find support from your school staff and funding so you can travel to other schools and compete against their teams. Also it wouldn’t hurt to mention that even new teams make it all the way to the national tournament.

Now, you’ve joined or made your own Mock Trial team. Before you get started with materials, get to know your teammates and coaches. It’s important that you establish a rapport with your teammates; otherwise you won’t function well as a team. Team work is essential in the court; many teams fail because they simply cannot function with each other. Just like how basketball requires players to be able to pass and work with one another, it’s the same with a Mock Trial team. You need to be able to tell when a fellow attorney or your witness is in trouble and needs help.

Getting to know your coaches is also just as important. Your coaches will be the ones teaching you the material and preparing you for the competitions to come. They are the ones you go to if you have a problem with your schedule, the material, or with other teammates. They will do their best to help you out with any problems. Also getting to know your coaches helps them get to know you and they will have an idea as to what sort of role in Mock Trial you would be best at.

Next Chapter: Roles…