About Us.
UCLA Mock Trial is a program in which undergraduate students are presented with a legal case that they must try. Teams of eight to ten students act as both attorneys and witnesses and must formulate prosecution and defense case strategies. They then prepare to present the case before real attorneys and compete against other schools from across the nation. UCLA routinely fields four of the strongest teams in the country, dominating the Western Regional tournament year after year. UCLA's top team won the National Championship in both 2004 and 2005. As we enter the 2008-2009 season, we are excited to welcome new members to the program.
For more information on the college mock trial program, visit the American Mock Trial Association website.
Want to know more about mock trial? Check out this Informational Flyer
So how does this whole Mock Trial thing work?
The UCLA Mock Trial Teams participate in the American Collegiate Mock Trial Association program ( www.collegemocktrial.org ). Colleges from around the nation compete against each other by presenting either the Plaintiff or Defense side of a criminal or civil case. Each side will present an Opening Statement, Direct & Cross Examination of 3 Plaintiff witnesses and 3 Defense witnesses, and Closing Arguments. Students must follow the rules of evidence of the State of Midlands (an imaginary state that roughly follows the Federal Rules of Evidence). Student attorneys are expected to be familiar with trial procedures, court decorum, evidentiary objections and proper examination techniques. Student witnesses are expected to portray witnesses in a realistic (but entertaining) manner and be familiar with their sworn affidavit.
In college mock trial, tournaments consist of 4 trials over the space of one weekend. Each team will present 2 prosecution cases and 2 defense cases. Usually, teams learn of their side 15 minutes before the competition starts. Two judges score each attorney's performance (Opening, Directs, Crosses and Closing) and each witness' overall performance (separate scores for Direct and Cross). At the end of the tournament, the ballots are tallied and awards are given to top placing teams and high-achieving individuals.
What is the case about this year?
The case involves a defamation lawsuit brought against a news agency for running an allegedly false murder story involving a gubernatorial candidate.
How big is the program?
This year, UCLA will field 5 teams of 8 members after try-outs and will later collapse into 4 teams of 8 (plus up to two alternates per team) in December. This means that out of the 150 students who try out on average, approximately 40 will be accepted into the program.
Where do these teams compete?
All 4 teams will compete at the UCLA Invitational Tournament another invitational somewhere in the United States, as well as a Regional Competition in February (hosted by Claremont McKenna). We hope that 2 of these teams will qualify for the National Championship Tournament in April. UCLA also participates in intra-program scrimmages.
How much time will I be asked to commit?
The typical time commitment during Fall Quarter for new members is about 4-6 hours per week. This increases to about 10 hours per week as we prepare for Regional competition. As such, participants are encouraged to take no more than 3 classes during Winter Quarter.
What kind of role will I have on my team?
Each team consists of 8 members and 1-2 alternates. Typically, 6 of the student members are attorneys and 2 are double witnesses (portraying a witness on each side). Many student attorneys must also portray a witness on the other side of the case (therefore acting ability is extremely important).
How do I apply for the program?
To apply, please click on the Applications link to your left. If you become a member of mock trial, you must be a paid member of the UCLA Pre-Law Society. Please fill out the application for Mock Trial and either email it to mock@ucla.edu or hang onto it until either the information meeting (info below) or until a drop-off location is provided. You will be contacted with a tryout time shortly thereafer.
I am still not sure if I want to try out. How can I find out more about the program?
If you have not yet decided if you want to apply, or have decided and want some more information, please save these evening dates - October 9th & 11th. They will be information workshops.
At these workshops, we will explain the try-out process in further detail, teach you some of the skills you will need to know, answer any questions you might have, and give you the opportunity to meet some returning members of the program.
What if I do not make the program? Is there anything else I can do to stay involved?
Absolutely! We understand that the try-out process is highly competitive and wish to offer everyone who is interested a chance to stay involved in the program. We are always looking for interested students to help coordinate our annual Invitational Tournament, which we will host during the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.
For further information, please email us at mock@ucla.edu . You can also contact our Faculty Advisor, Professor Gonzalo Freixes at gonzalo.freixes@anderson.ucla.edu
