Duke Mock Trial

Duke Mock Trial, a student-run organization, works throughout the year with Duke Law student and attorney coaches to prepare arguments for both sides of a fictitious case provided by AMTA. During actual competition, Duke Mock Trial members act as lawyers and witnesses to argue both the Prosecution/Plaintiff side of the case (Prosecution in criminal cases, Plaintiff in civil trials) as well as the Defense side of the case. Through engaging in trial situations in competitions with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. Duke Mock Trial comprises a program of engaged, dynamic, and creative individuals with a common passion for mock trial. Among the most successful collegiate mock trial programs in the country, Duke Mock Trial has qualified for the National Championship Tournament 20 times in its 29-year history. Duke won the 2012 National Championship, placed two teams in the Top 5 during the 2021 National Championship Tournament, and placed 5th during the 2022 National Championship Tournament. This was our program’s third national tournament in a row placing top 5 in the country.