Picture this: a courthouse is filled with attorneys presenting cases and witnesses testifying and judges fielding objections.

But the case is not real. Instead, teams of students compete against each other as judges score their practiced litigation.

LSU Mock Trial is the university’s American Mock Trial Association-affiliated team. Teams receive a fictional court case to review in the fall then prepare to try the case in the spring. Students present evidence, cross-examine witnesses and file objections.

“The case they send us resembles a real case, but it’s entirely fictional,” said the club’s president Charlotte Waltermire. “But it’s still about 300 pages filled with affidavits, exhibits, evidence, etc.”

Team members take on the roles of both attorneys and witnesses. Practices start early in the semester, with the team meeting to rehearse their opening statements, cross-examination questions and possible objections. As competitions draw closer, practice becomes more frequent.

“It’s a lot in the first semester,” Waltermire said. “Then in the second semester, we meet almost every single day.”

The competitions mirror real courtroom proceedings. Teams compete in multiple rounds over the course of a weekend, arguing both sides of the case. Trials typically last two to three hours and are judged by attorneys, law students and even sitting judges.

“It works exactly like a real trial,” said Secretary Carl Dexter. “We go to a real courthouse … All the teams have to pass through the same security.” Performance is evaluated using a point system, with judges scoring each participant on a scale of one to 10. Attorneys are judged on their arguments and questioning, while witnesses are scored on their characterization and responses.

“A lot of it is subjective,” said Vice President Christian Jones. “Different judges can like different styles.”

The subjectivity adds another layer of difficulty, requiring competitors to adapt their strategies mid trial. While a team can rehearse and memorize their own testimonies and examinations, cross-examining and objecting to other teams requires improvisation.

“We know what we’re going to say, but we don’t know what they’re going to say,” Dexter said.

The result is a blend of law and theater. Students must understand the legal process and rules of evidence in order to effectively object and cross-examine, while performing their part well for the judges.

“It’s a lot of performance,” Waltermire said. “About 50% is memorized, and then the other 50% you have to think quickly on your feet.”

Members emphasized that the club’s culture is crucial to its success. Practices and competitions require significant time commitments but also foster close relationships among teammates.

“The best part of the club is the friendship aspect,” Jones said. “Everybody just helps each other … There’s no animosity.”

The organization naturally draws those who are interested in law, though many other majors fill the club roster. Majors such as business, pre-med and the arts are all represented within the team.

Mock Trial also offers other benefits beyond competition. Members develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking and time management, all while gaining exposure to legal processes.

“This is the best way to learn how to advocate and obtain argumentative skills,” Waltermire said.

The club is especially helpful to law students, as it grants them the opportunity for hands-on experience in a way the classroom cannot.

“This is the only time that you’re going to have … to actually play with things and test things out,” Dexter said. “Once you get into law school, you don’t have as much freedom.”

The club provides students a place to learn about a field and work with a team to develop lifelong skills. Students gain valuable knowledge no matter their major, as well as a great experience to look back on.“It’s the hardest thing that I’ve ever done,” Waltermire said. “But it’s so worth it.”