Talented Individuals... Exceptional Team
Cornell Mock Trial fills its ranks with top undergraduates who epitomize Cornell University's motto: "Any person... any study." Their majors span the breadth of Cornell's offerings, including Chemistry, Engineering, Drama, English, PAM, and Industrial and Labor Relations. Cornell Mock Trial has always enjoyed a strong relationship with students from Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Cornell Mock Trial members have a desire to push themselves and make the most of their undergraduate experience by supplementing their normal studies with the rigorous competition of collegiate mock trial.
A few of the members of the 2006-07 team, after taking Second Place in the Vause Division at the National Championship and finishing the season as the Number 3 school in the nation.
All team members study the legal framework behind each year's case, tackling litigation issues such as competing standards and complex proof requirements. Members portray attorneys and witnesses, and all become familiar with the Federal Rules of Evidence, learning to carefully navigate their examinations and arguments through the filter of an evidentiary code. Throughout this process, they also develop an understanding of the courtroom decorum and procedure.
Although mock trial is focused on legal issues, not all team members want to pursue a careeer in law. Cornell Mock Trial endeavors to sharpen every team member's creativity, analytical thinking, and persuasive skill. Our alumni have gone on to excel in their careers, utilizing the skills and confidence they developed in Cornell Mock Trial.
Looking onto the courtroom from behind the plaintiff's counsel table at the National Championships in St. Petersburg, FL.