What is Mock Trial

The Holy Cross Mock Trial Team competes throughout the year in invitational tournaments and on the regional and national levels, in which students are judged and scored by both practicing attorneys and real life judges. For the past five years the team has accepted an invitation to compete at the Ivy League Invitational held at Yale University in the Fall. Each spring the team competes at the Regional Qualifier held at Manchester College in Manchester, Conn.. From there the top teams earn the right to compete at the national level, which at least one Holy Cross team has done so three out of the past four years.

A Mock Trial trial consists of four main components. Beginning with opening statements, a trial then progresses to the prosecution's or plaintiff's (depending on whether the trial is a criminal or civil case) case-in-chief. During the case-in-chief, the prosecution/plaintiff establishes their case by conducting direct examinations of their three witnesses. The defense attempts to show inconsistent testimony, the bias of a witness, and highlight any holes in the prosecution's/plaintiff's case by conducting cross-examinations of the prosecution's/plaintiff's witnesses. After a brief recess, the defense calls their own three witnesses and builds their own case and establish holes in the prosecution's/plaintiff's case-in-chief. The prosecution/plaintiff also has the opportunity to cross-examine the defense witnesses. After another brief recess, the two sides present their closing arguments. The judges then rule and make comments, thus concluding the trial.

Issues such as the "burden of proof," "a preponderance of the evidence," and "reasonable doubt," as well as other real life legal issues are addressed during a trial. Moreover, students are expected to conduct themselves in a 'lawyer-like' manner. Students are scored in their performance as a lawyer or witness, knowledge and strategy regarding the case, believability, and professional decorum.