What is a Mock Trial?
A Bellarmine Attorney Prepares to Impeach a Witness Who Has Changed His Testimony
What is Bellarmine Mock Trial?
Bellarmine Mock Trial, a program of Bellarmine University, is one of the oldest and most honored mock trial programs in the country, with members who have come from coast to coast and beyond. The program travels thousands of miles during competition, affording members access to celebrated courtrooms and legal figures, and impressing countless lawyers and judges along the way.
What is Mock Trial?
While it would appear that mock trial might be easily defined, it is much more than a trial simulation. Collegiate mock trial teams (of which Bellarmine fields two or more) are comprised of 6 to 10 undergraduate students. The compliment of members includes students from diverse majors, ranging from philosophy to economics, computer science to music performance. They execute a 3 hour trial against a team from an opposing college/university in a standard American courtroom - though classrooms arranged to simulate courtrooms are occasionally used. The trials themselves are showcases of academic and performance excellence adjudicated by practicing attorneys and judges. A mock trial team consists of attorneys and witnesses. Bellarmine attorneys execute opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments through mastery of legal principles and persuasive communication. Bellarmine witnesses are likewise trained in law and forensics. Their role is to put forth testimonial evidence thereby producing the organic storyline in each trial, as much a dramatic ensemble and storyteller as a precision competitive unit. Most Bellarmine members train as both witnesses and attorneys.
What are the benefits to the members?
Bellarmine Mock Trial attempts to do much more than provide a competitive performance opportunity for college students. Through the mock trial experience, members learn useful life skills, leadership skills, goal setting, and conflict resolution skills amongst others. Members are also connected to a rich network of attorneys and other professionals who serve as employers, references, mentors, and friends. The Bellarmine curriculum includes opportunities for members to exercise their potential not only as competitors and rising professionals, but as complete human beings.