Important Tryout Updates

Tryouts for the 2010-2011 team will take place in September of 2010 at a time and date yet to be determined. Please email out external affairs officer Alex Baskin at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  with any questions about tryouts. We hope to see you there! 

Why should I join Tufts Mock Trial?

 FUN!

First and foremost, Mock Trial is fun! TMT members have fun in and out of the courtroom. If you enjoy Mock Trial and you enjoy having fun, TMT is for you!

LEARNING!

College Mock Trial is based on the Federal Rules of Evidence and provides a phenomenal opportunity to gain a better understanding of these rules through practical application. Further, you can expect to gain a better understanding of the underlying reasons for the Rules of Evidence and the American Legal System. Additionally, members learn to think critically and analytically, skills that can be applied outside of the mock courtroom. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING!

College Mock Trial is a great arena to hone your public speaking abilities and improve your confidence speaking in front of others. 

Tufts Mock Trial has four teams of 6-8 members. We are always looking for new, enthusiastic mockers every year! If you think you fit this bill, we encourage you to try out. NO PREVIOUS MOCK TRIAL EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! New member tryouts are held in September each year. Check our website often for tryout updates, or contact us with any questions.

TRYOUT INFORMATION

What do I have to do? 

Tufts Mock Trial Tryouts differ slightly year to year, but general require candidates to act in both an attorney and witness role, as well as perform a public speaking exercise.  The exact nature of the tryout and all necessary information needed to successfully perform each task will be distributed to all candidates about one week before tryouts take place. 

Do I need prior Mock Trial experience?

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! In fact, some of our most successful mockers have come to us with no High School Mock Trial Experience. During the Tryout General Interest Meeting in September, a brief explanation of how to construct direct and cross examinations will be given. Current members are always willing to provide advice as you prepare for your tryout.

What do you look for during tryouts?

We look for four characteristics during tryouts:

1) Strong presence and public speaking ability

2) Ability to think critically about the positive and negative aspects of the affidavit of the witness you are tasked with examining or portraying

3) Acting ability as a witness and the skills to "become" a character

4) Motivated, committed, hard-working individuals with an enthusiasm for learning

 5) Critical thinking and the ability to "think on your feet"

Strong candidates will possess all five of these qualities but you need not possess all five of these qualities to be offered a spot on the team. It is the philosophy of TMT that the rules and procedures can be easily taught, but analytical thinking and courtroom presence cannot. Therefore, we look for individuals who demonstrate these qualities, not necessarily those that have prior knowledge of Mock Trial proceedings. That being said, such knowledge will not hurt your chances during tryouts! Ultimately, the tryout process should be viewed as an opportunity for you to demonstrate why you think you deserve a spot on the Tufts Mock Trial Team. But most importantly, your tryout should be FUN!