The Political Science Department is offering POL 370-01/Mock Trial in the fall 2024 semester on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 8:20 pm in SSB 223 and taught by Thomas Cilla, current Mock Trial Club advisor.
Students in this class prepare for the Regional Tournament, the first round of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) annual national tournament structure. More information about the AMTA and the associated competitions can be found here. To prepare for the Regional Tournament, students will learn to: develop opening and closing statements, use affidavits, case law, and evidence to develop case theories and arguments for both sides of a case, prepare a witness for direct and cross-examination, and understand and conduct the pretrial procedure.
Students will prepare for the Regional Tournament during the Fall 2024 semester and compete in the tournament in early Spring 2025. Students from all majors can participate in the course, but must be available to participate in the Regional Tournament. The competition occurs annually on a weekend between the last weekend in January or any weekend in February to be determined by the host institution.
The course will have space for 20 students. Selection criteria for enrollment include the following:
- Students who previously participated in mock trial, especially in the regional competition.
- Graduating seniors who will not have another opportunity to take the class.
- Desire and motivation to participate in mock trial and commitment to competing in the regional tournament.
All interested students need to complete this survey before being enrolled in the course.
Contact Professor Dumas with any questions (dumast@tcnj.edu).