About Stevenson Mock Trial
Mock Trial is a competitive trial experience for undergraduates. Every year the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) creates a case file for all teams to use during competition. The case contains pieces of evidence, legal documents, and witness affidavits/reports. All of the cases are designed to be interesting, fun, and to include enough information to allow both sides of the case (plaintiff/prosecution and defense) to present strong arguments. During a Mock Trial, two teams of six (one team representing the plaintiff and one representing the defense) present opening statements, examine witnesses, portray witnesses, object to improper testimony, and make closing arguments. This year’s criminal case will be released in August.
Mock Trial teaches you many real world skills that you will use in any career path! These include public speaking, thinking on your feet, analysis, rhetoric, teamwork, organization, and spoken/written communication. Students learn evidence, trial procedure, and trial strategy. You also gain a community, both here at Stevenson and within the greater Mock Trial community. Mock Trial is a significant time commitment; however, almost all of our members participate in at least one other activity. Team members learn how to prioritize, balance commitments and promote academic success.
Selection for the Mock Trial team is a competitive process. Each semester you compete on mock trial, you also can choose to receive one credit, up to three credits total, towards an upper level LAW elective.
Tournament Results
When you join Stevenson University Mock Trial, you are joining a growing legacy of excellence. In 2023, both of Stevenson’s teams earned a bid to the Opening Round Championship Series, and Stevenson co-hosted the Owings Mills Regional Tournament with UMBC. Ranking achievements over the past few years include:
- 1st place at the 2021 Regional Tournament
- 1st place at the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jay Invitational
- 2nd place at Drexel’s Dragon Invitational
- 2nd place at La Salle University’s Brotherly Love Invitational
- 2nd place at Rutgers University’s Scarlet Knight Invitational
- 3rd place at the University of Pennsylvania’s Quaker Classic
- 3rd place at Haverford’s Black Squirrel Tournament
- 5th place at the Charm City Classic Tournament
- 5th place at Yale University’s Yale Invitational
Both A and B teams earned numerous outstanding attorney and witness awards, and at the 2023 Opening Round Series, Stevenson also won the Spirit of AMTA award, which is given to the team that best demonstrates the AMTA values of civility, fair play, and sportsmanship. We intend to build on that this year and are ready for more success!
Tryouts
Tryouts for one of the two mock trial teams will be held in early September.
Mock Trial Scholarship
New for Fall 2023, freshman applicants interested in participating in Stevenson’s nationally recognized Mock Trial team can apply for the Mock Trial Scholarship. Students will need to submit a Mock Trial Scholarship Application by January 15. Finalists will be invited via email to attend an on-campus audition and interview day in the spring.