What is mock trial?

Mock Trial is a team-based speech competition that combines elements of law, speech, debate, and theatre in a simulation of courtroom procedure.

Do I need mock trial experience to try out?

Nope! Many of our incredibly talented members never did mock trial before joining CMT. We design our auditions so that no one needs experience to try out.

Is everyone pre-law?

Definitely not! While most of our members are pre-law, many join to build public speaking and critical thinking skills, which are applicable far beyond a career in law. Some members also compete just for fun!

Is the audition process competitive? How many new members do you accept?

As one of the top mock trial programs in the nation, CMT receives a large number of applications each fall. This number varies, but has reached over 200 in past years. Typically we accept roughly a dozen new members.

Don’t let this dissuade you from auditioning! You do not need to be one of the top 12 public speakers at Cal to become a part of CMT. You don’t even need any mock trial or public speaking experience! More than anything, we are looking for a group of new members with diverse strengths to fill the many competitive roles of mock trial.

How is college mock trial different from high school mock trial?

College mock trial gives students a lot more leeway to be creative! Here are a few examples:
1) The trials are longer and more complex.
2) There is no competitive pretrial role.
3) We choose our own witness line-up.
4) We can create demonstrations to illustrate concepts for the jury.
5) Witnesses have more freedom to add character to their roles.

Does Cal Mock Trial welcome transfer applicants?

Absolutely! We accept transfer applicants and Berkeley undergrads from any year. In our 2023 recruitment cycle, 15% of our incoming class were transfer students, and 20% of our class were second and third-year Berkeley students.

Are there different teams based on experience? Do new members get to compete?

Our program has four skilled teams competing every year, A to D!

Every member has the opportunity to compete as either an attorney, witness, or both on one of our four teams. New members will have a competitive role from day one and receive guidance from team captains, coaches, and fellow competitors to learn and grow from each role.