MOCK TRIALS - SEMESTER ONE & TWO 2023

WHAT IS MOCK TRIALS?

The Mock Trials Competition reflects the real workings of the courtroom, as competitors present opening and closing addresses as well as examining and cross-examining witnesses. Cases are based on real civil and criminal matters.

Competitors put the rules of evidence into practical application and gain invaluable experience in the operation of the courts and formally presenting a persuasive argument.

Mock Trials was formally known as the Trial Advocacy Competition.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

3 days day before the trial, competitors receive their brief. Competitors should review the problem and evidence to find legal and factual issues, although extensive legal research is unnecessary. 

Competitors will compete in teams of at least four, with two barristers and two witnesses. If you are unable to find people to participate in your team, we are happy to find you people to compete with.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This competition aims to help students improve their advocacy skills, formulation of persuasive legal argument, drafting of legal documents and court etiquette.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Any student enrolled in a Law Degree at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

WHO RUNS THE COMPETITION?

The Mock Trials competition is run by the Negotiations and Mock Trials Representative Blake Derham who is contactable at negotiations.trials@ndlss.org.au

Rules

The negotiations competition is administered by the General Competition Regulations  along with the Mock Trial Rules, which are attached below.