Mock Trial

At the University of Portland, Mock Trial is a one-credit-per-semester class and University
university-recognized club. The program competes in tournaments all across the country, against
over 400 other undergraduate colleges and universities through the American Mock Trial
Association.

In Mock Trial, students develop persuasive public speaking skills, practice critical thinking, refine
analytical reasoning, and engage in oratory argument. Students also practice trial advocacy, learn
legal procedures, and study the Federal Rules of Evidence.

At tournaments, the UP Mock Trial teams argue facts from affidavits, depositions, and exhibits.
Teams find success by telling their case theory through a story in the form of direct-examinations,
cross-examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments. Just like in real trials, witnesses in
Mock Trial control the narrative for both sides, but unlike in real life, school teammates in Mock Trial
portray the witnesses within the trial.

During the 2020-2021 Mock Trial season, the University of Portland qualified for the AMTA Opening
Round Championship Series where they placed top 48 in the nation, claiming their place in the
National Championship Series for the first time in recent program history. Since then, the program
has competed across the country, collecting over 20 individual and program awards. University of
Portland’s Mock Trial team is currently ranked #1 in the PNW and top #100 in the nation.
Nationally, the University of Portland Mock Trial Program has a reputation for bold advocacy and
dramatic witness performances.

Learn more about the program on the UP Mock Trial website.

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