About
“ Through immersive trial simulations, we aim to develop the next generation of great litigators, public speakers, and critical thinkers.”
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Mock trial is an intercollegiate, competitive, and team structured activity that imitates a real life trial. At the University of Kentucky, we practice and preform a civil or criminal mock case written by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) each year.
Mock Trial is composed of attorney roles and witness roles. Both of these roles are required for the Prosecution and the Defense sides of the case. Attorneys serve as those who decipher and argue a given case before a judge and jury. Attorneys are responsible for composing opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross examinations for witnesses. An attorney’s goal is to formulate a strong and concise case, while also eliciting testimony from witnesses to back up their claims.
Witnesses on a Mock trial team are responsible for reading the given AMTA case, and creating a character based off of a name and attributes of an individual the case provides. Witnesses rely heavily on acting ability, as well as their wit to convincingly provide integral testimony to the trial. Witnesses provide a direct testimony, and then are cross examined on their testimony by an opposing team member. A witness’ goal is to be a persuasive narrator into the happenings of a case.
Mock trial strengthens essential skills such as logical reasoning, team building, and creativity! Those who are interested in becoming future lawyers, love acting in a theatrical setting, or who love some court related drama could benefit greatly from our program!
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At the University of Kentucky, we have built our Mock Trial program ourselves. We are a completely student run and operated team. Since 2007, we have been dedicated to our craft. Our program started out with just a single team, yet in 2009, we were able to support a second competetive team. In 2011, our fifth season, University of Kentucky Mock Trial had the privilege to add yet another team to our roster. Thus, making our team a fully stacked Mock Trial association!
There are very few organizations at the University of Kentucky that compete throughout the nation. Yet, as a member of Mock Trial, you can represent your university as an academic scholar. You too can bring home hardware (trophies and medals) for the Big Blue Nation!
As a student led organization, we interact on a daily basis with our peers. This allows us to build strong interpersonal relationships on campus. Not only are we a team at University of Kentucky Mock Trial, but we are a family.
If you are looking to harness your public speaking, theatre, or debate skills, Mock Trial is the place for you. We proudly accept anyone who is willing to dedicate their time and energy to our beloved sport. We hope to see you in the fall!
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If you would like to get involved with the University of Kentucky Mock Trial, we will have two informational meetings that you MUST attend if you would like to audition for our team.
The first information session will be held on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. Located at the Chem-Phys Building, Room 222. The session begins at 6:00 pm, and will end at 7:30pm.
The second information session will be held on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026. Located at Chem-Phys Building, Room 222. The session begins at 6:00 pm, and will end at 7:30pm.
If you are not able to make it to these sessions, contact us via Instagram @kentuckymocktrial