Frequently Asked Questions

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The Mock Trial Competition Team at Auburn University is a student- run, extracurricular organization. Each year, the team competes against other schools from across the country through our participation in the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). We use case materials provided by AMTA, including affidavits, depositions, exhibits, case law, statutory law, and evidentiary rules. The case alternates between a criminal and civil case each year. The 2026-2027 season will be a civil case!

No. While most of our members do plan to attend law school after finishing their undergraduate degree, not all do. A few of our members plan to work in accounting, psychology, medicine, or finance. We welcome all majors!

Participation on the team includes enrollment in POLI 3330, a two credit hour course, for both fall and spring semesters. Team members may earn up to 12 credit hours, depending on their major.

Mock Trial meets for class three times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. However, in weeks leading up to competitions, work outside of class and longer class times are required to prepare to compete. On competition weekends, the team usually leaves Friday morning and returns Sunday night, although exact times depend on the competition.

At the beginning of the fall semester, we start with an education period, involving lectures, activities, and group work to teach members about case law, the rules of evidence, procedure, and how to conduct each portion of a trial. Later in the semester, we break into two trial teams. At this point, class will include working with your trial teammates to develop case theories and themes. 

In past years, the team has competed all across the country. We have competed in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

We will hold two or three information sessions during the first week of classes in August. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory to try out. You will get more information about the team and the tryout process during these informational sessions. Tryouts are held during the second week of school, with the first day of class typically being the following Sunday. Be sure to check our Instagram for updates.

We are looking for someone who exhibits confidence and is eager to work hard on an everyday basis. There is no perfect tryout, but showing that you are willing to work with others and are dedicated is a good start!