Mock Trial & Sentencing 2025 Materials

Welcome to the Midlands!

Below is info. about try outs, teams, and a timeline of the season.

Mock Trial

Mock Trial is a simulation of a courtroom trial. It allows members to experience the legal process firsthand by assuming the roles of lawyers and witnesses. Cases are determined on an annual basis by the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).

We have two AMTA teams: AMTA A Team and AMTA B Team. Teams are formed based on audition performance. Those that do not earn a traveling AMTA team spot will have the opportunity to participate in Mock Sentencing.

AMTA Team 2025/26 Audition Packets

Returning member packet

New member packet

AMTA Season Timeline

August 15

AMTA Official Case Release

Yearly, AMTA will release the updated edition of the case materials. Members will be granted access to the case materials through the team Google drive.

Late August - Mid September

Pre-Season

The first few weeks of the academic year are crucial for the entire season. While students may join at any point throughout the semester, it is highly encouraged that those who are interested attend meetings during the first three weeks. Several interest meetings will be held, and the team will begin to prepare its case theory after teams have been formed.

Mid September - Late November

Case Development

During the most busy time of the season, the team will work together to finish case theory, write direct and cross examination, as well as opening and closing statements. Attorneys will work to refine their objection skills while witnesses will continue to develop their character in preparation for trial.

Late October & Mid November

Invitational Tournaments

The fall season is a time to experiment with different case theories and to get courtroom experience. Both returning mock trialers and newbies alike will have a chance to show off their skills against other schools at tournaments.

Early December

AMTA Case Balance & Update

At the end of the fall invitational season, AMTA will release a revised case packet to even out the case as a whole, and to add minor variances. This will be the only major release prior to regionals, but minor changes may be made.

Winter Break - February

Case Development

Now that the case has been updated, attorneys and witnesses go back to the drawing board to refine their case, and make additional refinements in accordance with any changes that have been made. When the team returns from winter break, it is all hands on deck with practices/run-throughs to get ready for our regional tournament.

February

AMTA Regional Tournament

On one weekend in February, we will travel to our regional tournament in an effort to qualify for the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS).

February - March

AMTA ORCS Case Development

Attorneys and witnesses will review ORCS case updates to prepare and refine case theories.

April

AMTA National Championship Tournament

The top six teams from each ORCS tournament will advance to AMTA's National Championship Tournament. Teams will receive an entirely new case.

Mock Sentencing

Mock Sentencing is a simulation of the matters following a trial. Members take on the roles of lawyers and other courtroom personnel to practice presenting arguments and applying sentencing laws to a hypothetical case.

This activity takes place in the Eastern District Federal Court of Pennsylvania. Members are assigned to groups of four to simulate pre-existing sentencing cases in front of Federal Judge Kearney. Judge Kearney will organize and distribute sentencing materials.

Weekly meetings are held at WCU, but we will visit Judge Kearney occasionally in Philadelphia.

You may choose to only participate in Mock Sentencing if a traveling AMTA team does not interest you.

Mock Sentecning Materials

First Mock Sentencing meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th in the BPMC rm.110 @ 6pm.

Teams will be organized and the case distrubted shortly after the first meeting.

Teams will meet and prepare their materials.

Teams will travel to the Eastern District Federal Court of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to present their case to federal judges.