Mock Trial Board at Vanderbilt Law School

The Vanderbilt Mock Trial Board aims to assist students in developing public speaking skills, proper courtroom decorum, and a basic knowledge of the federal rules of evidence through the operation of all competitive trial advocacy tournaments at Vanderbilt Law School. During the fall semester, the Mock Trial Board holds several lectures teaching the 1L class how to behave in court, how to write and present the parts of a trial, and how to argue objections. The Board then operates a tournament for all members of the 1L class who wish to participate in this first competitive experience of their law school career. In the spring semester, the Board sponsors two teams of three to travel and compete in various nation-wide competitions, such as the Texas Young Lawyers Association regional mock trial tournament. In the spring, the Board also operates an intramural competition for all interested 2Ls, as a review of trial advocacy skills and the federal rules of evidence.