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Washington State University
School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs Mock Trial

A mock trial team member questions a "witness" before the "judge" and other student "attorneys."

The WSU Mock Trial Team is a dynamic group of highly motivated students. The team is made up of individuals from all majors who work together to master the American Mock Trial Association’s annual case problem and then compete against other colleges and universities from across the United States.

Mock Trial Team captain Sydney Buchheister gives oral arguments to the court. A mock trial team member enthusiastically presents his case as other students look on.

The case problem is a particular scenario running well over a hundred pages that lays out a particular factual event culminating in a court trial. The “problem” is to develop a case theory, build characters from the available witnesses, and put forth the best possible case and argument.

Mock trial students at the counselor's table look serious as they hear testimony.  A mock trial member is sworn in to testify as a "witness" before the "judge."

The students must master specific roles as either witnesses or attorney’s. The work is a combination of legal trial practice and theater.

Founded in 2003, the WSU Mock Trial Team quickly established itself in regional competitions as a team to watch, earning the right to compete at national championship tournaments every year since 2006.

Mock Trial team members, dressed for success, stand before the "judge" as he speaks.

Photographs on this page are from the Mock Trial Team’s 2018 visit and case practice session at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Washington in Yakima, made possible by the generous support of WSU alumnus Judge John Rossmeissl with further support from attorney and alumnus Tim Filer.

Mock Trial students and faculty co-advisor Aman McLeod pose with Judge John Rossmeissl at the judge's bench flanked by the U.S. flag and court's seal.
Mock Trial Team members and faculty advisor Aman McLeod in the courtroom with Judge John Rossmeissl.
WSU alumnus Judge John Rossmeissl enthusiastically makes a point while talking with the Mock Trial Team.
Judge Rossmeissl talks with students outside the courtroom.
Mock Trial students and faculty co-advisor Aman McLeod pose with Tim Siler at the judge's bench flanked by the U.S. flag and court's seal.
Mock Trial Team members and faculty advisor Aman McLeod in the courtroom with attorney Tim Filer sitting as ‘judge.’

More Information
School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs
Johnson Tower 801
509-335-2544

Pre-Law Resource Center
CUE 502 (Center for Undergraduate Education)
509-335-2325