Mock Trial

Mock Trial introduces students to the engaging world of civil and criminal trial advocacy. PHC students compete in the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) against more than 700 teams from over 400 programs around the country, including many from the nation’s top ivy-league institutions. Fierce competition hones their critical thinking skills and equips them to clearly articulate passionate and well-reasoned legal argumentation. The late Dr. Frank Guliuzza introduced Mock Trial to PHC in 2008, and it has been a staple of the forensics program ever since.

The Process

In Mock Trial, students compete in groups of 6-10 to perform dynamic, responsive, and flawlessly synchronized jury trials on both civil and criminal issues. Students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses and prepare cases—including opening and closing arguments, witness testimony, and direct- and cross-examinations. Mock Trial develops students’ knowledge of the federal rules of evidence, courtroom procedure, witness examination, case-building, and more. Every element of the three hour trials is graded, making Mock Trial an activity that requires exquisite teamwork and endurance to be successful.

Mock Trial at Patrick Henry College

“Mock trial is an unparalleled way to learn courtroom etiquette, to gain confidence as an advocate, and to work as a team to perfect your case. It provides what mere lectures cannot: realistic practice for life beyond the classroom.”

– Ryan McDonald, Government, Class of 2016 –

"Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures."

— American Mock Trial Association —

Patrick Henry College’s top Mock Trial Team took 4^thplace at the American Mock Trial Association’s 37^th National Championship Tournament.

The Process

"Every Mock Trial win is special because you can’t do it on your own. All members of your team have to be on their game and work well together.”

– Brenna Zimmerman, Literature, Class of 2018 –

Why Mock Trial?

Trying to reach our Mock Trial Program?

Explore our Pre-Law Program

Learn more about our world-class forensics program.

Are you social? So are we! Follow us on Facebook or check out the LearnPHC blog for news updates on tournament performance and more.

Mock Trial at Patrick Henry College

“Mock trial is an unparalleled way to learn courtroom etiquette, to gain confidence as an advocate, and to work as a team to perfect your case. It provides what mere lectures cannot: realistic practice for life beyond the classroom.”

– Ryan McDonald, Government, Class of 2016 –

"Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures."

— American Mock Trial Association —

Patrick Henry College’s top Mock Trial Team took 4th place at the American Mock Trial Association’s 37th National Championship Tournament.

The Process

"Every Mock Trial win is special because you can’t do it on your own. All members of your team have to be on their game and work well together.”

– Brenna Zimmerman, Literature, Class of 2018 –

Why Mock Trial?

Trying to reach our Mock Trial Program?

Explore our Pre-Law Program

Learn more about our world-class forensics program.

Are you social? So are we! Follow us on Facebook or check out the LearnPHC blog for news updates on tournament performance and more.

Patrick Henry College’s top Mock Trial Team took 4^thplace at the American Mock Trial Association’s 37^th National Championship Tournament.