frequently asked questions
What is collegiate mock trial?
Undergraduate Mock Trial is an intercollegiate competition between schools who are registered with the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Over 700 teams nationwide are members of AMTA. These teams compete at invitational tournaments throughout the fall season and AMTA sanctioned tournaments in the spring.
The goal of intercollegiate Mock Trial is to teach students problem-solving, communication, presentation, and advocacy skills. Each year, teams are provided with a fictional case, called the “problem,” which alternates between a civil or criminal case. Every case problem includes multiple witness statements, pieces of evidence, relevant case law, and rules of evidence. After a preparing both a defense and prosecution/ plaintiff case, schools travel around the country to represent their respective universities at Mock Trial competitions.
For more information about undergraduate Mock Trial and tournaments, visit the American Mock Trial Association’s website.
How Can I join UGA Mock Trial?
We take new members once a year. Auditions for UGA Mock Trial take place early September. The audition process begins with our Info Sessions. If you are interested in joining UGA Mock Trial, you must attend at least one of these info sessions in order to sign up for an audition slot. At the Info Session you will hear from the student executive board, and you will be able to ask any questions.
After selecting your audition time, you will receive our audition packet, which will contain all the audition instructions and materials. You will be told what to prepare at the information session. Finally, come ready for your audition on the date you signed up for. Audition results will be emailed to you within a week or so following your audition date. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you have about the audition process!
Info Sessions will be held in Fall 2026. You only have to attend one of these information sessions to sign up for an audition slot. If you can’t attend either of these sessions, please e-mail ugamocktrial@gmail.com for the audition packet and an audition time.
How much of a time commitment is mock trial?
UGA Mock Trial is a time commitment, but one that can be balanced with other obligations. Members of our Program balance their commitment to Mock Trial with other obligations including: work, internships, school, and commitments to other organizations.
In the fall, Mock Trial typically requires about 6-8 hours per week, and the time commitment can vary in the spring. On tournament weekends you will be away from Athens for the entire weekend. Practices are coordinated around when competitors on each of the five teams are available, and typically the schedules differ for each team.
“UGA Mock Trial defined my four years at UGA. Not only did it inspire me to keep pushing towards law school, teach me how to be a better team player and leader, but it gave me some of the best friends I’ll ever make and memories I won’t ever forget.”
Other Frequently aSked questions
Do I have to Audition for the Program in September?
In order to be a member of UGA Mock Trial for the year, you must audition for the Program in September. If you miss this deadline, but are still interested in learning more about the program, please feel free to reach out to us with questions. To make sure you do not miss anything, we recommend that your follow our Instagram @ugamocktrial.
How Much Does it Cost to be in UGA Mock Trial?
There are dues for both the fall and spring seasons. Generally, dues are paid every semester, ranging from$150-250.00. Dues go toward Tournament Registration, Hotel Accommodations, Gas, Office Supplies, Social Events, and Demonstrative Aids. If you are interested in joining the program but are concerned about the financial requirements, please reach out to us for information regarding payment plans. Payment is due by your first tournament which is typically in October. We would love to have anyone in our Program who is passionate about mock trial, regardless of their financial situation.
Where will I get to travel?
Competitors will travel to tournaments all across the country. In the 2025-2026 Season the Mock Dawgs went to Gainesville FL, Charlotte NC, Jackson MS, Memphis TN, Washington DC, Chicago IL, etc. To see where we’ve been recently, check out our blog or our Instagram with season updates & tournament locations.
Do I Need Mock Trial Experience to Join?
No! Prior experience is NOT required to join our Program. We welcome anyone to audition, regardless of whether or not they competed on a Mock Trial team in high school, or another university. Every year new members join UGA Mock Trial with no mock trial experience. We’ll teach you everything you need to know!
Does Everyone in Mock Trial want to go to Law School?
No! Mock Trial consists of students from every major, all with different aspirations for the future. Members of our Program come from different majors, such as Theater, Business, English, Journalism, Engineering, and Psychology.