|
Q: What is mock trial? Mock trial is a competitive team activity where students engage in trial simulations against teams from other institutions. Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, develop arguments and theories for both sides of the case, and handle rules of evidence objections. Mock trial is unique in that it provides an opportunity for students to learn about the American legal system while also developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. |
|
|
Q: What does the competition season look like? GTMT fields competitive teams and participates in simulated trials created by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). Throughout the competition season, we travel around the country to compete in tournaments against other universities. In January, we also host our very own Ramblin' Wreck Invitational Tournament (RWIT)! |
|
|
Q: How does GTMT compare to other college mock trial programs? Currently, GTMT is ranked among the Top 20 best college mock trial programs in the country. For over a decade, we've consistently qualified for the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), in addition to several appearances in the National Championship Tournament. Our program has seen tremendous growth over the years, and we strive to make each year even better than the last! See our Awards page for more details. |
FAQ - BEING a member
Q: How are teams set up?
As a program, GTMT sends 4 teams to compete in various tournaments throughout the semester. There are 8-10 members in each team, led by a solo captain or a pair of co-captains.
In AMTA tournaments, there are 3 attorney roles and 3 witness roles on each side of the case (defense and plaintiff/prosecution). Members on each team are assigned 1-2 roles depending on the number of members in the team and the number of roles available.
Q: What is the time commitment for competing members?
[1] PRACTICES // Competing members are required to attend practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30 PM. During these practices, members meet to plan and run content in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
[2] TOURNAMENTS // Each member will compete in at least 2 tournaments per semester. These tournaments typically fall on weekends, and members will be informed of the specific dates at the beginning of the semester. Excuse letters from the Georgia Tech Registrar's Office will be provided as needed.
[3] SCRIMMAGES // We also schedule scrimmages throughout the year, both internally and with other schools. Most scrimmages will be scheduled during practice times, and members will be notified in advance of specific dates.
Outside of regular meetings, GTMT also hosts various activities and events, led by our Membership Chair, to foster community within the program. While not required, we highly encourage all members to participate in order to get the most out of their GTMT experience!
Q: What if I have a recurring time conflict with the Tues/Thurs practices?
Recurring time conflicts are handled on a case by case basis as they may interfere with team practice schedules. Returning members or potential new members who know/suspect they may have a recurring conflict during the semester must inform GTMT's Executive Board and Coaches in advance before teams are finalized.
Q: Does GTMT have dues?
Dues for competing members are typically around $200 a year. This covers the cost of travel and hotel accommodations for tournaments.
That said, we understand that everyone's financial situation is different, and we do not want our dues to deter anyone from trying out. If you have any concerns about the financial requirements, we kindly encourage you to reach out! We'd be more than happy to discuss payment plans and/or other ways we can help.
P.S. This will not affect your chances of making the team!
Q: Once I'm on the team, do I still have to try out every year?
Nope! Once you're accepted, you're officially a part of the GTMT family! Joining GTMT is a two-way investment, and we love seeing each of our members grow better and better every year!
Q: Does GTMT attend competitions during the summer?
While there are mock trial tournaments hosted during the summer (such as AMTA's Rookie Rumble Tournament), GTMT does not formally compete in any as a program. We typically take a break during the summer and resume activity in the fall.
As a program, GTMT sends 4 teams to compete in various tournaments throughout the semester. There are 8-10 members in each team, led by a solo captain or a pair of co-captains.
In AMTA tournaments, there are 3 attorney roles and 3 witness roles on each side of the case (defense and plaintiff/prosecution). Members on each team are assigned 1-2 roles depending on the number of members in the team and the number of roles available.
Q: What is the time commitment for competing members?
[1] PRACTICES // Competing members are required to attend practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30 PM. During these practices, members meet to plan and run content in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
[2] TOURNAMENTS // Each member will compete in at least 2 tournaments per semester. These tournaments typically fall on weekends, and members will be informed of the specific dates at the beginning of the semester. Excuse letters from the Georgia Tech Registrar's Office will be provided as needed.
[3] SCRIMMAGES // We also schedule scrimmages throughout the year, both internally and with other schools. Most scrimmages will be scheduled during practice times, and members will be notified in advance of specific dates.
Outside of regular meetings, GTMT also hosts various activities and events, led by our Membership Chair, to foster community within the program. While not required, we highly encourage all members to participate in order to get the most out of their GTMT experience!
Q: What if I have a recurring time conflict with the Tues/Thurs practices?
Recurring time conflicts are handled on a case by case basis as they may interfere with team practice schedules. Returning members or potential new members who know/suspect they may have a recurring conflict during the semester must inform GTMT's Executive Board and Coaches in advance before teams are finalized.
Q: Does GTMT have dues?
Dues for competing members are typically around $200 a year. This covers the cost of travel and hotel accommodations for tournaments.
That said, we understand that everyone's financial situation is different, and we do not want our dues to deter anyone from trying out. If you have any concerns about the financial requirements, we kindly encourage you to reach out! We'd be more than happy to discuss payment plans and/or other ways we can help.
P.S. This will not affect your chances of making the team!
Q: Once I'm on the team, do I still have to try out every year?
Nope! Once you're accepted, you're officially a part of the GTMT family! Joining GTMT is a two-way investment, and we love seeing each of our members grow better and better every year!
Q: Does GTMT attend competitions during the summer?
While there are mock trial tournaments hosted during the summer (such as AMTA's Rookie Rumble Tournament), GTMT does not formally compete in any as a program. We typically take a break during the summer and resume activity in the fall.
FAQ - joining the team
Q: Do I have to try out to become a member?
Yes, all potential members must go through our tryout process. See our Tryouts page for more info, and feel free to contact our Membership Chair if you have any additional questions!
Q: What are you looking for in a potential member?
There is no cookie-cutter answer for what we look for in a potential member! Ultimately, GTMT values what you can bring to the team. Our best advice is to be yourself and show that you're willing to contribute and learn!
Q: How many members do you take each year?
We don't have a set number of members that we take, and it varies from year to year. Even we don't know how many we're taking until after the roster is finalized! Don't stress about the numbers, and just do your best!
Q: Can I join in the spring?
Unfortunately, we only accept new members once a year (beginning of each fall semester), so if you miss the tryout deadline, you'll have to wait until our next recruitment cycle.
That said, feel free to reach out if you're interested in trying out in the future! We can add you to our mailing list for the next recruitment cycle so that you're up to date with all the latest GTMT news. Contact our Membership Chair if you have any questions!
Q: If I don't make the team this year, can I try out again next year?
Yes! Every recruitment cycle, we receive a very competitive pool of applicants, and not making the team does not necessarily mean that your tryout did not go well. We've had to turn away many amazing candidates in the past simply because we're limited in the number of new members we can accept. If you're interested in trying out again, we encourage you to reach out and let us know!
Q: Do I need any experience to join?
Nope! We've had several GTMT members who became excellent collegiate mock trial competitors despite not having any experience with mock trial in the past. As long as you're eager to learn and willing to put in the time, we're confident that we can teach you everything you need to know!
Q: Can I join if I'm not a first year?
Yes! Historically, we've accepted many non-first years into our new member classes, and we encourage transfer students and 2nd years and up to try out! Keep in mind, however, that you must have at least 2 semesters left before you graduate.
Q: Do I need to be pre law or a law-related major to join?
Not at all! Our program is very diverse, and we have members with all kinds of different majors and interests. Most of our program is actually in STEM! See our members' areas of study below.
Yes, all potential members must go through our tryout process. See our Tryouts page for more info, and feel free to contact our Membership Chair if you have any additional questions!
Q: What are you looking for in a potential member?
There is no cookie-cutter answer for what we look for in a potential member! Ultimately, GTMT values what you can bring to the team. Our best advice is to be yourself and show that you're willing to contribute and learn!
Q: How many members do you take each year?
We don't have a set number of members that we take, and it varies from year to year. Even we don't know how many we're taking until after the roster is finalized! Don't stress about the numbers, and just do your best!
Q: Can I join in the spring?
Unfortunately, we only accept new members once a year (beginning of each fall semester), so if you miss the tryout deadline, you'll have to wait until our next recruitment cycle.
That said, feel free to reach out if you're interested in trying out in the future! We can add you to our mailing list for the next recruitment cycle so that you're up to date with all the latest GTMT news. Contact our Membership Chair if you have any questions!
Q: If I don't make the team this year, can I try out again next year?
Yes! Every recruitment cycle, we receive a very competitive pool of applicants, and not making the team does not necessarily mean that your tryout did not go well. We've had to turn away many amazing candidates in the past simply because we're limited in the number of new members we can accept. If you're interested in trying out again, we encourage you to reach out and let us know!
Q: Do I need any experience to join?
Nope! We've had several GTMT members who became excellent collegiate mock trial competitors despite not having any experience with mock trial in the past. As long as you're eager to learn and willing to put in the time, we're confident that we can teach you everything you need to know!
Q: Can I join if I'm not a first year?
Yes! Historically, we've accepted many non-first years into our new member classes, and we encourage transfer students and 2nd years and up to try out! Keep in mind, however, that you must have at least 2 semesters left before you graduate.
Q: Do I need to be pre law or a law-related major to join?
Not at all! Our program is very diverse, and we have members with all kinds of different majors and interests. Most of our program is actually in STEM! See our members' areas of study below.
|