Advocacy Teams
The Baylor Undergraduate Mock Trial Team (BUMT) is a group of undergraduate students that advocates fictional court cases against other universities. Each year, we spend hundreds of hours preparing our best courtroom presentation for that year’s unique case. Since 1985, the American Mock Trial Association has hosted more than 600 teams in a series of tournaments across the country to determine the most capable trial advocates and witnesses in the country. In order to compete, we travel to many of these tournaments each year, meaning that we try each year’s case dozens of times. In a given mock trial, three students portray witnesses while three student attorneys give cross examinations, direct examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments. Mock trial gives its members the opportunity to develop their courtroom mettle, create engaging witness, and develop the ability to speak, argue and think well.
The Pre-Law Program is not officially affiliated with BUMT but offers encouragement to other student organizations and academic opportunities in support of all Pre-Law students at Baylor University.
Instagram: baylormocktrial
Twitter: @BaylorMockTrial
Facebook: Baylor Undergraduate Mock Trial
Or on the official website of Baylor Mock Trial
Moot court competitions simulate appellate oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States. Using the Court's existing case law as precedent, competitors argue a fictitious constitutional case before a panel of judges. This is an appellate proceeding, so there are no witnesses, no juries, and no theatrics. In order to win, one must calmly advance sound legal arguments and respond to impromptu questions from judges. Law schools usually host competitions and law students, law professors, and practicing members of the legal profession judge competitors. Moot court, unlike other undergraduate competitions, plays a major role in legal education and most law schools maintain moot court teams; so the skills you learn here will translate directly into preparation for law school.
Thus participation in Moot Court builds familiarity with actual case law and with the Constitution; it hones oral advocacy and analytical skills that will be useful far beyond a legal career; it brings students into contact with active members of the legal profession; and it gives students experience that will translate directly into an advantage in law school.
To learn more, contact Professor Steve Block, coach of the Moot Court team.