Justice Takes the Stand
Experience the drama of the courtroom in our Mock Trial program for middle school students (grades 5-8). Learn to craft opening statements, conduct cross-examinations, and deliver closing arguments before real judges. Develop critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills that prepare you for high school debate and future success.
Coming Fall 2026
Be Among the First to Join
JAMUN Mock Trial at a Glance
A brand new program launching Fall 2026—be among the founding members.
What is Mock Trial?
Mock Trial is a competitive simulation where students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses to argue a fictional legal case. Teams prepare both prosecution/plaintiff and defense sides, learning to craft opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and deliver closing arguments before real judges.
It's more than just public speaking—it's critical thinking, teamwork, and performance combined. Whether you dream of being a lawyer or just want to build confidence, Mock Trial gives you skills that last a lifetime.
“Mock Trial pushed me out of my comfort zone. Now I can think on my feet and argue my point confidently.”
What You'll Do in Mock Trial
From case analysis to closing arguments—here's how you'll make your case in the courtroom.
Analyze the Case
Study the case materials, identify key facts and legal issues, and develop your team's theory of the case.
Prepare Arguments
Craft compelling opening statements, closing arguments, and examination questions that tell a persuasive story.
Examine Witnesses
Conduct direct examinations to tell your story and cross-examinations to challenge the opposing side.
Argue Before Judges
Present your case to real attorneys and judges, responding to objections and adapting in real-time.
More Than Just Courtroom Drama
The skills you develop in Mock Trial will serve you in school, career, and life.
Persuasive Speaking
Learn to present arguments clearly and convince judges with logic and evidence.
Critical Analysis
Break down complex situations, identify weaknesses in arguments, and think strategically.
Teamwork
Coordinate with teammates to build a cohesive case strategy and support each other.
Quick Thinking
Respond to unexpected objections and adapt your approach on the fly.
“I never thought I'd love public speaking, but Mock Trial changed that. Now I volunteer to present in class and I'm not afraid to speak up for what I believe in.”
Alicia T.
7th Grade, First-Time Participant
How a Trial Works
From opening statements to the final verdict, here's what to expect in competition.
Opening Statements
Each side presents their theory of the case and previews the evidence they'll present to the judge.
Witness Examinations
Attorneys call witnesses for direct examination, then the opposing side cross-examines to challenge their testimony.
Objections & Rulings
Attorneys object to improper questions or evidence, and must know the rules to protect their case.
Closing Arguments
Each side summarizes the evidence and makes their final persuasive appeal to the judge or jury.
Typical Competition
1 Full Day
State v. Alex Morgan
Criminal CaseOn March 3, 2025, Briarwood University senior Ethan Morales was found dead in the chemistry lab after a toxic gas release. His lab partner, Alex Morgan, had left the room minutes before the alarms sounded. Was this a tragic accident—or calculated murder?
Teams will argue both sides of this gripping case, examining security footage, mislabeled chemicals, missing notebook pages, and the heated rivalry between two competitive research partners fighting for academic credit.
6 Witnesses
Per side
12 Exhibits
Evidence items
Case No. 2026-MT-001
Briarwood County Superior Court
Charge
Murder in the First Degree
Defendant
Alex Morgan, 22
Victim
Ethan Morales, 22
Key Issues
2026
Mock Trial Resources
Everything you need to prepare for Mock Trial—all free and designed for middle schoolers.
Mock Trial Basics Guide
An introduction to Mock Trial format, roles, and how competitions work.
Objection Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for common objections and when to use them in trial.
Opening Statement Template
A structured template for crafting compelling opening statements.
Cross-Examination Techniques
Learn the art of effective cross-examination with leading questions.
Rules of Evidence Simplified
A student-friendly guide to the most important evidence rules.
Closing Argument Framework
How to structure a powerful closing that brings your case together.
Mock Trial Basics Guide
An introduction to Mock Trial format, roles, and how competitions work.
Objection Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for common objections and when to use them in trial.
Opening Statement Template
A structured template for crafting compelling opening statements.
Cross-Examination Techniques
Learn the art of effective cross-examination with leading questions.
Rules of Evidence Simplified
A student-friendly guide to the most important evidence rules.
Closing Argument Framework
How to structure a powerful closing that brings your case together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting started with Mock Trial.
Be a Founding Member of JAMUN Mock Trial
We're building something special. Whether you're a student ready to argue cases in the courtroom or a teacher looking to start a Mock Trial program, join our interest list to be the first to know when we launch.
Questions? Reach out to our Mock Trial team at mocktrial@jamun.org