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Mock Trial

Macalester Mock Trial competes in teams of 6-10 students in mock trial tournaments governed by the American Mock Trial Association (ATMA). Rotating between a criminal and civil cases, students prepare prosecution/plaintiff and defense cases using a year-long case packet comprised of affidavits, exhibits and case law in the fictional universe of Midlands. Students perform as attorneys and witnesses on one or both sides of the case. In the fall, the program attends tournaments hosted by the University of Minnesota, St. Olaf College and Hamline University. In the spring, Macalester Mock Trial competes in AMTA regional competitions with the hope of qualifying to semi-finals (Opening Round Championship Series) and the National Championship Tournament (NCT). 

In the ‘21-22 season, Macalester placed second and third at the University of Minnesota’s Nordic Undergraduate Mock Trial Battle. In the spring, we won Georgetown’s Hilltop XI tournament and placed 1st at regionals, earning a bid to the Opening Round Championship Series in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

This year, squad practices are held on Sunday afternoons (1-4pm) and Tuesday nights (7-9pm) with additional team practices based on student schedules.

Several mock trial team members with mock trial coach Niloy Ray ‘99 at the end-of-year Forensics Banquet