The Utah Tech Mock Trial program started in the fall of 2024. The program is part of Utah Tech’s commitment to active learning and creating community partnerships to provide hands-on experiences for students. The team competes in inter-school and intercollegiate mock trial tournaments. Case materials for the competitions are provided by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). AMTA cases are fictional and alternate between civil and criminal cases each year.
Team members will study the case materials, fictional case law, and rules of evidence in their preparation for the competitions. At each tournament, students participate in trials by taking on the roles of attorneys and witnesses. The attorneys will conduct opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. The witnesses will testify for their side consistent with the AMTA case materials.
During competition rounds, the judges score the attorneys and witnesses on a scale of 1 to 10. The team that has the most points at the end of a round wins that round. Students who excel during the competition rounds may receive individual awards recognizing their performance as an attorney or witness.
For more information about mock trial, please visit the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).
The Utah Tech Mock Trial team is made up of students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who work together in dynamic roles as attorneys and witnesses. Team members analyze case materials, apply rules of evidence, and build skills in public speaking and critical thinking. Through intercollegiate competitions, they gain hands-on experience across both civil and criminal cases while showcasing their versatility and teamwork.
Tournament schedule and locations are currently being determined. Updates will be posted once finalized.
Tournament Locations (2026 – 2027)
Details coming shortly
Tournament Locations (2025 – 2026)
Regionals, February 2025, Phoenix, AZ
Rebel Trojan, January 2025, Las Vegas, NV
Cactus Classic, October 2024, Tuscon, AZ
Tournament Locations (2024 – 2025)
Team A
Team B
You must be a full-time student for the 2026–2027 school year, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and have completed ENGL 2010 (or an equivalent course).
All team members must enroll in CJ 3650 (Trial Advocacy) and CJ 3655 (Mock Trial Lab) in Fall 2026. These classes are held on Friday mornings.
CJ 2350 (Laws of Evidence) is highly recommended to help you better understand courtroom rules and objections. In some cases, prerequisites may be waived.
Students must be available for regular practices, scheduled class times, and weekend tournaments throughout the school year. Mock trial involves travel and requires consistent participation.
Mock trial requires a substantial time commitment. In addition to class time, you will need to spend time outside of class preparing for tournaments, practicing, and attending scrimmages.
Team members are expected to improve their public speaking, learn how to prepare strong arguments, and think logically and quickly in a competitive environment. Respect, professionalism, and a positive attitude toward teammates and competitors are essential.
Yes. Mock trial is highly team-oriented. You should be willing to collaborate, contribute, and work well with others to build a strong and supportive team.
There are two main roles: attorney and witness. Attorneys present arguments and question witnesses, while witnesses perform as characters in the case.
No. All team members must be willing to take on either role and switch when needed. Flexibility and the ability to think on your feet are very important.
You should be competitive, motivated, and ready to put in the time and effort to improve. While there is work time during classes, you will also need to practice on your own and with your team outside of class.
