Mock Trial Format Explained
The Mock Trial round, speech by speech
| # | Speech | Side | Length | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prosecution Opening | Prosecution | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 2 | Defense Opening | Defense | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 3 | Prosecution Case-in-Chief | Prosecution | 25:00 | Questions the previous speaker |
| 4 | Defense Case-in-Chief | Defense | 25:00 | Questions the previous speaker |
| 5 | Prosecution Closing | Prosecution | 5:00 | Narrows the round to what matters |
| 6 | Defense Closing | Defense | 5:00 | Narrows the round to what matters |
| Speaking time | 70:00 | Plus 60:00 case prep | ||
Scroll right for the full table →
The rules that actually matter
- Two sides, each with both lawyers and witnesses.
- Each side gives a 5-minute opening statement.
- Then each side gets up to 25 minutes to question witnesses — their own, and the other side's.
- Each side finishes with a 5-minute closing statement.
- Every fact and every witness statement has to come from the official case file. Students cannot make things up.
- If a student objects to a question, they have to name an actual rule. Just disagreeing is not enough.
- Teams get a long preparation period before the round to get witnesses and arguments ready.
Prepping a Mock Trial round?
Build your case with instant feedback, flow the round live, and run full practice rounds — free.
How to prep for a Mock Trial round
- Build your theory of the case from the official file and make every witness support it.
- Prepare witnesses for cross-examination with the questions the other side is most likely to ask.
- Learn the evidence rules you will object under, so every objection names a real rule.
- Write the closing argument early, then make sure the trial actually proves each point in it.
How Mock Trial rounds are judged
- Score attorneys and witnesses separately — both performances matter.
- Consider adherence to trial procedure and rules of evidence alongside persuasiveness.
- Courtroom presence and objections handled well are part of the skill being tested.
- If you’re scoring AMTA-style, rate each individual function — opening, each direct, each cross, closing — on its own 1-10 scale rather than one holistic gut score; whichever side totals more points wins your ballot.
- The presiding judge (who rules on objections) and the scoring judge(s) (who evaluate performance) are separate roles — as a scoring judge, don’t let your own view of the objections decide your ballot.
Check yourself
What are the two sides in a Mock Trial round?
Prosecution (or Plaintiff) and Defense
How long are the opening and closing statements?
5 minutes each
Where must all evidence and witness statements come from?
The official case packet
What makes an objection valid?
Citing an actual rule of evidence
Which comes first in a Mock Trial round?
Prosecution Opening
Frequently asked questions
What is the speech order in Mock Trial?
Mock Trial has 6 timed parts, in this order: Prosecution Opening (5 minutes), Defense Opening (5 minutes), Prosecution Case-in-Chief (25 minutes), Defense Case-in-Chief (25 minutes), Prosecution Closing (5 minutes), Defense Closing (5 minutes). That is 70 minutes of timed speaking and questioning in all, plus prep time.
How long is a Mock Trial round?
Each side gives one 5-minute opening and one 5-minute closing, and gets up to 25 minutes to question witnesses.
Can you make up facts in Mock Trial?
No. Every fact and witness statement has to come from the official case file.
Prep your next Mock Trial round with The Debate Prep
Case builder with instant feedback, flow sheets, a format-aware timer, and full practice rounds against an opponent that argues back. Free to start.